Biodiversity & Conservation

Pectenogammarus planicrurus in mid shore well-sorted gravel or coarse sand

LS.LGS.Sh.Pec

LGS.Pec

Image Paul Brazier - Gravel and sand shore. Image width ca XX cm.
Image copyright information

Distribution map

LS.LGS.Sh.Pec recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats

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

  • Pectenogammarus planicrurus

Rare of scarce species associated with this biotope

Community Importance Species name Common Name
Important characterizing Pectenogammarus planicrurus An amphipod

Explanation

Pectenogammarus planicrurus has been identified as the important characterizing species of coarse sand/gravel biotopes, to which it is wholly faithful. Coarse sand/gravel beaches are shifting, unstable environments and consequently species diversity is very low. Other species that may be recorded include isopods, e.g. Eurydice pulchra and amphipods such as Gammarus salinus, which are likely to be carried in on the surf plankton and temporarily stranded. They are transitory and not faithful to the biotope. The biotope would still be recognized in the absence of species other than Pectenogammarus planicrurus.

Additional information

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This review can be cited as follows:

Budd, G.C. 2002. Pectenogammarus planicrurus in mid shore well-sorted gravel or coarse sand. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 23/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=151&code=1997>