Biodiversity & Conservation

Crepidula fornicata and Aphelochaeta marioni in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment

SS.IMX.EstMx.CreAph

IMX.CreAph

Image Chris Lumb - Crepidula fornicata and Aphelochaeta marioni in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment. Image width ca 60 cm.
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Distribution map

SS.IMX.EstMx.CreAph 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

  • Crepidula fornicata
  • Aphelochaeta marioni
Community Importance Species name Common Name
Important characterizing Crepidula fornicata Slipper limpet
Important characterizing Aphelochaeta marioni A bristleworm

Explanation

Crepidula fornicata and Aphelochaeta marioni are both 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'.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Rayment, W.J. 2001. Crepidula fornicata and Aphelochaeta marioni in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 24/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=52&code=1997>