Biodiversity & Conservation

Fabulina fabula and Magelona mirabilis with venerid bivalves in infralittoral compacted fine sand

SS.IGS.FaS.FabMag

<i>%Fabulina fabula%</i> and <i>%Magelona mirabilis%</i> with venerid bivalves in infralittoral compacted fine sand
Distribution map

SS.IGS.FaS.FabMag recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats
  • UK_BAP

Species indicative of sensitivity

To assess the sensitivity of the biotope, the sensitivity of component species is reviewed. Those species that are considered to be particularly indicative of the sensitivity of the biotope, and for which research has been undertaken in detail are shown below (see selection criteria). The biology of other component species of the biotope is also taken into account wherever information is known to the researcher.

Species found especially in this biotope

  • Fabulina fabula
  • Magelona mirabilis
Community Importance Species name Common Name
Important characterizing Fabulina fabula A bivalve
Important characterizing Magelona mirabilis A bristleworm
Important other Chamelea gallina Striped venus

Explanation

Magelona mirabilis and Fabulina fabula are the species which define this biotope. The loss of these species would result in the loss of the biotope. However, the loss of either of the species would be unlikely to have significant knock on effects for the rest of the community and therefore the species are ranked as 'important characterizing' not 'key'.
The venerid bivalve Chamelea gallina is not important for the viability of the characterizing species but should be considered when assessing the sensitivity of the community and hence is categorized as 'important other'.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Rayment, W.J. 2006. Fabulina fabula and Magelona mirabilis with venerid bivalves in infralittoral compacted fine sand. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 25/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=142&code=1997>