Bean-like tellin (Fabulina fabula)
Fabulina fabula.
Photographer: Peter Barfield Copyright: Peter Barfield
Fabulina fabula on a black background.
Photographer: Hilmar Hinz Copyright: Dr Hilmar Hinz
Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.Map Help
| Researched by | Will Rayment | Refereed by | This information is not refereed |
| Authority | (Gmelin, 1791) | ||
| Other common names | - | Synonyms | Tellina fabula Gmelin, 1791, Angulus fabula (Gmelin, 1791) |
Summary
Description
An elongate, oval, bivalved shell with one abruptly tapered end. The outside of the shell is sculptured with fine concentric lines and pronounced growth rings, and the right valve has wavy striations. The shell is white in colour with tinges of yellow or orange. Fabulina fabula grows up to 2 cm in length.
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
Occurs on all British and Irish coasts.Global distribution
Occurs from Norway and the Baltic Sea, south to the Iberian Peninsula, the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Atlantic coast of Morocco.Habitat
Fabulina fabula burrows in fine to medium sand and silty sand on the lower shore and in the shallow sublittoral. It burrows up to a depth of 10 cm and lies horizontally on its left valve, extending its inhalant siphon to the sediment surface.Depth range
lower shore to 55 mIdentifying features
- Posterior end abruptly tapered and curved to right.
- Wavy striations on right valve run from dorsal anterior to ventral posterior margins.
- Slightly inequivalve; right valve a little more convex than left.
- Inequilateral; beaks just behind mid-line.
- Growth stages very clear.
Additional information
-none-Listed by
- none -
Biology review
Taxonomy
| Level | Scientific name | Common name |
|---|---|---|
| Phylum | Mollusca | Snails, slugs, mussels, cockles, clams & squid |
| Class | Bivalvia | Clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, and scallops |
| Order | Cardiida | |
| Family | Tellinidae | |
| Genus | Fabulina | |
| Authority | (Gmelin, 1791) | |
| Recent Synonyms | Tellina fabula Gmelin, 1791Angulus fabula (Gmelin, 1791) | |
Biology
| Parameter | Data | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical abundance | High density | ||
| Male size range | up to 20 mm | ||
| Male size at maturity | 10 mm | ||
| Female size range | 10 mm | ||
| Female size at maturity | |||
| Growth form | Bivalved | ||
| Growth rate | See additional information | ||
| Body flexibility | None (less than 10 degrees) | ||
| Mobility | Burrower | ||
| Characteristic feeding method | Active suspension feeder, Deposit feeder | ||
| Diet/food source | Detritivore, Planktotroph | ||
| Typically feeds on | Phytoplankton, detritus | ||
| Sociability | No information | ||
| Environmental position | Infaunal | ||
| Dependency | None. | ||
| Supports | Independent | ||
| Is the species harmful? | No information | ||
Biology information
Abundance. Salzwedel (1979) studied a population of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) from the German Bight. Peak abundance (ca 2000 individuals/m²) occurred in September following the main period of spatfall and then decreased to a minimum in February (ca 500 individuals/m²), at which point settlement began to occur again. The mean annual abundance was approximately 1000 individuals/m². Lopez-Jamar et al. (1995) reported the mean abundance of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) from La Coruna Bay in NW Spain to be 897 individuals/m², with a maximum abundance of 1871/m². Warwick et al. (1978) studied the Venus community from very fine sand in Carmarthen Bay, Bristol Channel. They reported Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) densities of 80 individuals/m² and biomass of 340 mg/m².
Size at maturity. Salzwedel (1979) reported the smallest specimen with recognizable sex to be 7.7 mm long, but that typically the gonads were not fully developed until shell length had reached 10 mm.
Growth. The growth rate of Fabulina fabula appears to be highly dependent on environmental conditions. Withers (1977) recorded spatfall of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) at Oxwich in Wales. Individuals had grown to lengths between 5.5 mm and 11 mm, 14 months after settlement. However, growth may not be so rapid and Muus (1973) described Fabulina fabula from Øresund as attaining lengths of 3-4.5 mm after 21 months. Under laboratory conditions, Salzwedel (1979) recorded the maximum growth of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) to be 10.3 mm in one year or 15.7 mg of dry tissue weight. Mean daily growth over the course of a year was a 0.40% increase in shell length. Salzwedel (1979) also noted 3 annual minima in growth rates which corresponded with the growth rings on the outside of the shell.
Feeding. Fabulina fabula is capable of both suspension feeding and deposit feeding. Salzwedel (1979) observed feeding behaviour in the laboratory. While suspension feeding, the inhalant siphon is held a few mm above the sediment surface and sucks in suspended particles. While deposit feeding, the inhalant siphon is bent over toward the sediment surface, sucking up detritus and sand grains more or less unselectively. Salzwedel (1979) made the suggestion that Fabulina fabula is solely a suspension feeder up until the age of 1.5 yr., after which it changes between feeding methods according to environmental conditions. Whilst in the laboratory, the species was fed on a mixed culture of the unicellular green alga Dunaliella marina and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.
Habitat preferences
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Physiographic preferences | Open coast, Offshore seabed, Enclosed coast or Embayment |
| Biological zone preferences | Lower circalittoral, Lower eulittoral, Lower infralittoral, Mid eulittoral, Sublittoral fringe, Upper circalittoral, Upper infralittoral |
| Substratum / habitat preferences | Fine clean sand, Muddy sand |
| Tidal strength preferences | Moderately strong 1 to 3 knots (0.5-1.5 m/sec.), Strong 3 to 6 knots (1.5-3 m/sec.), Weak < 1 knot (<0.5 m/sec.) |
| Wave exposure preferences | Exposed, Moderately exposed, Sheltered, Very exposed |
| Salinity preferences | Full (30-40 psu), Variable (18-40 psu) |
| Depth range | lower shore to 55 m |
| Other preferences | |
| Migration Pattern | Non-migratory or resident |
Habitat Information
-
Life history
Adult characteristics
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Reproductive type | Gonochoristic (dioecious) |
| Reproductive frequency | Annual protracted |
| Fecundity (number of eggs) | No information |
| Generation time | 1-2 years |
| Age at maturity | See additional information |
| Season | March - September |
| Life span | 2-5 years |
Larval characteristics
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Larval/propagule type | - |
| Larval/juvenile development | Planktotrophic |
| Duration of larval stage | See additional information |
| Larval dispersal potential | Greater than 10 km |
| Larval settlement period |
Life history information
Salzwedel (1979) observed the reproductive cycle of a population of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) from the German Bight. The first spawning occurred in March and the first spatfall occurred in April/May. The main spawning period was in July/August with the peak in spatfall being between July and September. Individuals that spawned in March also spawned again later in the year, whilst individuals that spawned for the first time in the summer spawned only once in the year. Spawning resulted in a mean weight loss of 23%.Development after settlement appears to be highly dependent on environmental conditions. Withers (1977) recorded spatfall of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) at Oxwich in Wales. 14 months after settlement, individuals had grown to lengths between 5.5 mm and 11 mm. In contrast, post settlement individuals from the Øresund took 21 months to reach 3-4.5 mm in length (Muus, 1973). Salzwedel (1979) reported that Fabulina fabula reached maturity at a shell length of 10 mm. Given the above growth rates, it would appear that maturity could be reached in one year for fast growing individuals in warmer climates but may take 2 years or more for populations in colder water.
Salzwedel (1979) reported annual mortality of Fabulina fabula of 41% in the laboratory versus 82-96% in situ. The difference was attributed to the impacts of predation and substratum erosion in the natural environment.
Sensitivity review
The MarLIN sensitivity assessment approach used below has been superseded by the MarESA (Marine Evidence-based Sensitivity Assessment) approach (see menu). The MarLIN approach was used for assessments from 1999-2010. The MarESA approach reflects the recent conservation imperatives and terminology and is used for sensitivity assessments from 2014 onwards.
Physical pressures
Use / to open/close text displayed
| Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence / Confidence | |
Substratum loss [Show more]Substratum lossBenchmark. All of the substratum occupied by the species or biotope under consideration is removed. A single event is assumed for sensitivity assessment. Once the activity or event has stopped (or between regular events) suitable substratum remains or is deposited. Species or community recovery assumes that the substratum within the habitat preferences of the original species or community is present. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula lives infaunally in sandy sediments. Removal of the substratum would also remove the entire population of the species and so intolerance is assessed as high. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | High | High | Moderate | High |
Smothering [Show more]SmotheringBenchmark. All of the population of a species or an area of a biotope is smothered by sediment to a depth of 5 cm above the substratum for one month. Impermeable materials, such as concrete, oil, or tar, are likely to have a greater effect. Further details. EvidenceFabulina fabula is a shallow burrower in sandy sediments. It requires its inhalant siphon to be above the sediment surface for feeding and respiration. Smothering with 5 cm of sediment would temporarily halt feeding and respiration and require the species to relocate to its preferred depth. Fabulina fabula is an active burrower (Salzwedel, 1979) and would be expected to relocate with no mortality. However, growth and reproduction may be compromised and so intolerance is assessed as low. Growth and reproduction would return to normal following relocation so recoverability is recorded as immediate. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | Low |
Increase in suspended sediment [Show more]Increase in suspended sedimentBenchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details EvidenceLevels of suspended sediment are likely to be most relevant to feeding. Fabulina fabula is known to practice two alternative modes of feeding. It either holds its feeding organ, the inhalant siphon, at a fixed position just above the sediment surface to filter out food particles suspended in the overlying water or else extends and moves its siphon around on the sediment above it to vacuum up deposited food particles (Salzwedel, 1979). The alternative feeding methods are likely to make the species insensitive to changes in suspended sediment. If the level of suspended sediment becomes so high as to risk clogging the feeding structures, Fabulina fabula could presumably switch to deposit feeding. Furthermore, an increase in suspended sediment is likely to increase the rate of siltation and therefore the food available to deposit feeders. Fabulina fabula is therefore assessed as 'tolerant' with the potential for growth and reproduction to be enhanced by the increased food supply. | Tolerant* | Not relevant | Not sensitive* | Low |
Decrease in suspended sediment [Show more]Decrease in suspended sedimentBenchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula is known to practice two alternative modes of feeding. It either holds its feeding organ, the inhalant siphon, at a fixed position just above the sediment surface to filter out food particles suspended in the overlying water or else extends and moves its siphon around on the sediment above it to vacuum up deposited food particles (Salzwedel, 1979). A decrease in suspended sediment is likely to decrease the availability of food for both suspension feeders and deposit feeders. The reduction in food availability may result in less energy available for growth and reproduction by Fabulina fabula. However, the benchmark change period is one month, during which time it is not expected that mortality would occur and so intolerance is assessed as low. When suspended sediment returns to original levels, growth and reproduction should quickly return to normal so recoverability is assessed as very high. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Desiccation [Show more]Desiccation
EvidenceFabulina fabula lives infaunally in fine sand and silty sand (Tebble, 1976) and is therefore likely to be largely protected from desiccation stress. Additionally, bivalves are able to respond to desiccation stress by valve adduction during periods of emersion. It is likely that Fabulina fabula would be able to retain enough water within its shell to avoid mortality during the benchmark emersion period of one hour. However, during the period of emersion, the species would not be able to feed and respiration would be compromised, so there is likely to be some energetic cost. Intolerance is therefore recorded as low. On immersion, metabolic activity should quickly return to normal and recoverability is therefore recorded as very high. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Increase in emergence regime [Show more]Increase in emergence regimeBenchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details EvidenceAlthough a largely subtidal species, a proportion of the population of Fabulina fabula occurs on the lower shore and so is vulnerable to an increase in emergence. The species does not colonize further up the shore and therefore must be limited by one or more factors including desiccation, temperature and wave exposure. For example, Wilson (1978) noted that the predominantly subtidal Fabulina fabula had a much lower thermal tolerance than the predominantly intertidal Tellina tenuis. It is unclear whether Fabulina fabula is able to migrate downshore. For the purposes of this review, it is assumed that downshore migration does not occur. The benchmark for emergence is an increase in exposure for one hour every tidal cycle for a year. During this time, exposed individuals will not be able to feed, respiration will be compromised and thermal stress may occur. Over the course of a year, it is expected that the resultant energetic cost to the individuals highest up the shore will lead to some mortality. Intolerance is therefore assessed as intermediate. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Decrease in emergence regime [Show more]Decrease in emergence regimeBenchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula thrives in the subtidal zone and would therefore could potentially benefit from a decrease in emergence. It is possible that a decreased emergence regime would allow the species to colonize further up the shore. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | High |
Increase in water flow rate [Show more]Increase in water flow rateA change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula typically occurs in areas of 'moderately strong' water flow (Salzwedel, 1979; Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989). The benchmark increase would be to 'very strong' flow for one year (see glossary). The increased water flow rate would change the sediment characteristics in which the species lives, primarily by re-suspending and preventing deposition of finer particles (Hiscock, 1983). This would result in erosion of the preferred habitat. Additionally, the increased water flow rate may interfere with feeding and respiration. It is likely that some mortality would result and so intolerance is assessed as intermediate. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Decrease in water flow rate [Show more]Decrease in water flow rateA change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula typically occurs in areas of 'moderately strong' water flow (Salzwedel, 1979; Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989). The benchmark decrease would be to 'very weak' flow for one year (see glossary). Decreased water movement would result in increased deposition of fine suspended sediment (Hiscock, 1983), changing the sediment characteristics of the habitat in which the species lives. Over the course of a year, it is likely that species which favour stable, fine sediment communities would proliferate at the expense of species such as Fabulina fabula which are tolerant of more dynamic environments. Some mortality is therefore expected and an intolerance of intermediate is recorded. Recoverability is assessed as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Increase in temperature [Show more]Increase in temperature
For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula has a wide geographic range, occurring from Norway to Morocco. It is likely therefore to be tolerant of higher temperatures than it experiences in Britain and Ireland. Wilson (1978) reported the 24 hour LT50 for Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) from Millport in Scotland to be 26.5°C and noted that acclimation to higher temperatures enhanced the species' ability to withstand higher experimental temperatures. Similarly, Ansell et al. (1980) reported the 24 hour LT50 for Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula and acclimated at 10°C) from Millport to be 27°C. The 96 hour LT50 was 24-27°C depending on acclimation temperature. Growth experiments by Salzwedel (1979) revealed that growth of Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) correlated positively with temperature up to about 16°C after which temperature increase inhibited growth. Considering that maximum sea surface temperatures around the British Isles rarely exceed 20°C (Hiscock, 1998), it is unlikely that Fabulina fabula would suffer mortality due to the benchmark increase in temperature. However, elevated temperatures would probably result in inhibition of growth and hence intolerance is recorded as low. Growth should quickly return to normal when temperatures return to their original levels so recoverability is assessed as very high. | Low | Very high | Very Low | High |
Decrease in temperature [Show more]Decrease in temperature
For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula has a wide geographic range, occurring from Norway to Morocco. It is likely therefore to be tolerant of lower temperatures than it experiences in Britain and Ireland. Salzwedel (1979) reported that a population of Fabulina fabula from the German Bight (studied as Tellina fabula) experienced seasonal temperature fluctuations between 3°C and 16°C. It was noted that minimal growth occurred at 3°C. Further north in the species range it is expected that even lower winter temperatures would be experienced. Minimum surface seawater temperatures rarely fall below 5°C around the British Isles so it is unlikely that the benchmark decrease in temperature would cause mortality of Fabulina fabula. However, growth is likely to be inhibited and so intolerance is assessed as low. Growth should quickly return to normal when temperatures return to their original levels so recoverability is assessed as very high. | Low | Very high | Very Low | High |
Increase in turbidity [Show more]Increase in turbidity
EvidenceFabulina fabula does not require light and therefore the effects of increased turbidity on light attenuation are not directly relevant. An increase in turbidity may affect primary production in the water column and therefore reduce the availability of phytoplankton food. However, phytoplankton will also immigrate from distant areas and so the effect may be decreased. As the turbidity increase only persists for a year, decreased food availability would probably only affect growth and fecundity and an intolerance of low is recorded. As soon as light levels return to normal, primary production will increase and hence recoverability is recorded as very high. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Decrease in turbidity [Show more]Decrease in turbidity
EvidenceFabulina fabula does not require light and therefore the effects of increased turbidity on light attenuation are not directly relevant. It is possible that decreased turbidity would increase primary production in the water column and by micro-phyto benthos. The resultant increase in food availability may enhance growth and reproduction in Fabulina fabula, but only if food was previously limiting. | Tolerant* | Not relevant | Not sensitive* | Low |
Increase in wave exposure [Show more]Increase in wave exposureA change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula occurs in very exposed habitats, such as the Dogger Bank in the North Sea (Kröncke, 1990), through to sheltered areas, including harbours (Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989). This suggests that the species would be tolerant of a certain degree of sediment mobility associated with strong wave action. An increase in wave exposure of 2 categories for 1 year would place the majority of the population in areas frequently subject to strong wave action and the species may be affected in several ways. Strong wave action may cause damage or withdrawal of the siphons, resulting in loss of feeding opportunities and compromised growth. Furthermore, individuals may be dislodged by scouring from sand and gravel mobilized by increased wave action. During winter gales along the North Wales coast, large numbers of Abra alba were cast ashore and over winter survival rate was as low as 7% in the more exposed locations (Rees et al., 1977). For the above reasons, some mortality would be likely to occur and intolerance is recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). Bosselmann (1989) noted that Fabulina fabula has a high potential for mass development and heavy spatfalls which enables the species to recover from disturbances to the adult population. | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Decrease in wave exposure [Show more]Decrease in wave exposureA change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula occurs in very exposed habitats, such as the Dogger Bank in the North Sea (Kröncke, 1990), through to sheltered areas, including harbours (Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989). Decreased wave exposure over the course of a year is likely to result in the establishment of more stable, finer sediment habitats. It is unlikely that this would result in mortality of Fabulina fabula, although it would probably suffer increased competition from species better adapted to life in low energy environments. Intolerance is therefore assessed as low. Recoverability is recorded as very high. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Noise [Show more]Noise
EvidenceNo information was found concerning the intolerance of Fabulina fabula to noise. The siphons are likely to detect vibrations and are probably withdrawn as a predator avoidance mechanism, but the species is not expected to be sensitive at the level of the benchmark. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Visual presence [Show more]Visual presenceBenchmark. The continuous presence for one month of moving objects not naturally found in the marine environment (e.g., boats, machinery, and humans) within the visual envelope of the species or community under consideration. Further details EvidenceNo information was found concerning the intolerance of Fabulina fabula to visual disturbance. It is not a visual species and is not likely to be sensitive. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Abrasion & physical disturbance [Show more]Abrasion & physical disturbanceBenchmark. Force equivalent to a standard scallop dredge landing on or being dragged across the organism. A single event is assumed for assessment. This factor includes mechanical interference, crushing, physical blows against, or rubbing and erosion of the organism or habitat of interest. Where trampling is relevant, the evidence and trampling intensity will be reported in the rationale. Further details. EvidenceDespite their robust body form, bivalves are vulnerable to physical abrasion. For example, as a result of dredging activity, mortality and shell damage has been reported in Mya arenaria and Cerastoderma edule (Cotter et al., 1997). However, Fabulina fabula is a shallow burrower and has a fragile shell (Fish & Fish, 1996) and may be damaged by such an impact with fishing gear so intolerance is recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is assessed as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Displacement [Show more]DisplacementBenchmark. Removal of the organism from the substratum and displacement from its original position onto a suitable substratum. A single event is assumed for assessment. Further details EvidenceFabulina fabula burrows into the sediment within a few minutes when displaced to the surface of sandy substrata (Salzwedel, 1979). The species is therefore likely to be not sensitive to displacement per se. However, exposure at the sediment surface would increase the risk of predation, for example by the starfish Astropecten irregularis (Aberkali & Trueman, 1985), and so intolerance is assessed as intermediate. Recoverability is recorded as very high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Chemical pressures
Use [show more] / [show less] to open/close text displayed
| Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence / Confidence | |
Synthetic compound contamination [Show more]Synthetic compound contaminationSensitivity is assessed against the available evidence for the effects of contaminants on the species (or closely related species at low confidence) or community of interest. For example:
The evidence used is stated in the rationale. Where the assessment can be based on a known activity then this is stated. The tolerance to contaminants of species of interest will be included in the rationale when available; together with relevant supporting material. Further details. EvidenceNo information was found concerning the effects of synthetic chemicals specifically on Fabulina fabula. However, inference can be drawn from related species. Beaumont et al. (1989) concluded that bivalves are particularly sensitive to tri-butyl tin (TBT), the toxic component of many antifouling paints. For example, when exposed to 1-3 µg TBT/l, Cerastoderma edule and Scobicularia plana suffered 100% mortality after 2 weeks and 10 weeks respectively. There is also evidence that TBT causes recruitment failure in bivalves, either due to reproductive failure or larval mortality (Bryan & Gibbs, 1991). Stirling (1975) investigated the effects of phenol, a non-persistent, semi-synthetic organic pollutant, on Tellina tenuis. Exposure to phenol produced a measurable effect on burrowing at all concentrations tested, i.e. 50 mg/l and stronger. Sub-lethal effects of exposure to phenol included delayed burrowing and valve adduction to exclude the pollutant from the mantle cavity. After exposure to 100 mg/l for 24 hours, the majority of animals were extended from their shells and unresponsive to tactile stimulation. Following replacement of the phenol solution with clean seawater, good recovery was exhibited after 2 days for animals exposed to 50 mg/l and some recovery occurred after 4 days for animals exposed to 100 mg/l.In light of the intolerance of other bivalve species, intolerance of Fabulina fabula to synthetic chemicals is assessed as high. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | High | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Heavy metal contamination [Show more]Heavy metal contaminationEvidenceThe capacity of bivalves to accumulate heavy metals in their tissues, far in excess of environmental levels, is well known. Reactions to sub-lethal levels of heavy metal stressors include siphon retraction, valve closure, inhibition of byssal thread production, disruption of burrowing behaviour, inhibition of respiration, inhibition of filtration rate, inhibition of protein synthesis and suppressed growth (see review by Aberkali & Trueman, 1985). No evidence was found directly relating to Fabulina fabula. However, inferences may be drawn from studies of a closely related species. Stirling (1975) investigated the effect of exposure to copper on Tellina tenuis. The 96 hour LC50 for Cu was 1000 µg/l. Exposure to Cu concentrations of 250 µg/l and above inhibited burrowing behaviour and would presumably result in greater vulnerability to predators. Following replacement of copper solutions with clean seawater, Tellina tenuis showed little recovery of burrowing ability, either because residual copper in the sand acted as a deterrent or previous exposure had a deleterious metabolic effect. For reference to polluted UK sediments, copper concentration in the interstitial water of Restronguet Creek sediments has been measured at 100 µg/l (Bryan & Langston, 1992). The lethal and sublethal effects of copper exposure on Tellina tenuis suggest that Fabulina fabula would also be affected and intolerance is assessed as intermediate. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below) but would be partially dependent on the persistence time of heavy metals in the sediments. | Intermediate | High | Low | Moderate |
Hydrocarbon contamination [Show more]Hydrocarbon contaminationEvidenceSuchanek (1993) reviewed the effects of oil on bivalves. Sublethal concentrations may produce substantially reduced feeding rates and/or food detection ability, probably due to ciliary inhibition. Respiration rates have increased at low concentrations and decreased at high concentrations. Generally, contact with oil causes an increase in energy expenditure and a decrease in feeding rate, resulting in less energy available for growth and reproduction. Sublethal concentrations of hydrocarbons also reduce infaunal burrowing rates. Conan (1982) studied the long term effects of the Amoco Cadiz oil spill in France. The delayed mortality effects on sand and mud biota were estimated to be 1.4 times larger than the immediate effects. At St Efflam Beach, Fabulina fabula (studied as Tellina fabula) started to disappear from the intertidal zone a few months after the spill and from then on was restricted to the subtidal. In the following 2 years, recruitment of Fabulina fabula was very much reduced. Intolerance is assessed as intermediate as the majority of the Fabulina fabula population lives subtidally and would therefore avoid the impact of an oil spill. Recoverability would be delayed by the persistence of oil in sediments, as was demonstrated by the inhibition of recruitment, and so is assessed as moderate. | Intermediate | Moderate | Moderate | High |
Radionuclide contamination [Show more]Radionuclide contaminationEvidenceNo information was found concerning the effects of radionuclide contamination on Fabulina fabula. | No information | No information | No information | Not relevant |
Changes in nutrient levels [Show more]Changes in nutrient levelsEvidenceNo information regarding the direct effects of nutrients on Fabulina fabula was found. However, increased nutrients are likely to enhance ephemeral algal and phytoplankton growth, increase organic material deposition and enhance bacterial growth. At low levels, an increase in phytoplankton and benthic diatoms may increase food availability for Fabulina fabula, thus enhancing growth and reproductive potential. However, increased levels of nutrient (beyond the carrying capacity of the environment) may result in eutrophication, algal blooms and concomitant reductions in oxygen concentrations (e.g. Rosenberg & Loo, 1988). Rosenberg & Loo (1988) reported mass mortalities of the bivalves Mya arenaria and Cerastoderma edule following a eutrophication event in Sweden, although no direct causal link was established. It is likely therefore that a dramatic increase in nutrient levels would cause some mortality of Fabulina fabula and so an intolerance of intermediate is recorded. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Increase in salinity [Show more]Increase in salinity
EvidenceFabulina fabula is typically found in full salinity conditions (Salzwedel, 1979; Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989) and is therefore probably relatively tolerant of further increases in salinity. No information was found concerning the effects of hypersaline conditions on Fabulina fabula. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | High |
Decrease in salinity [Show more]Decrease in salinity
EvidenceFabulina fabula is typically found in full salinity conditions (Salzwedel, 1979; Diaz-Castaneda et al., 1989) and is therefore likely to be intolerant of reductions in salinity in some way. Salzwedel (1979) reported that the species does occur in variable salinity conditions (down to 20 psu) but that growth is inhibited. The benchmark decrease in salinity would place the population in areas of variable salinity for one year or reduced salinity for one week. The change would be likely to cause inhibition of growth and reproduction and exposure to low salinity may result in some mortality. Intolerance is therefore assessed as intermediate. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Changes in oxygenation [Show more]Changes in oxygenationBenchmark. Exposure to a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/l for one week. Further details. EvidenceFabulina fabula is an aerobic organism and therefore will be intolerant in some degree to lack of oxygen. No evidence was found for specific effects of reduced oxygenation on Fabulina fabula but inferences can be drawn from the effects on other species. Jorgensen (1980) recorded the effects of low oxygen levels on benthic fauna in a Danish fjord. At dissolved oxygen concentrations of 0.2-1.0 mg/l the bivalves, Cerastoderma edule and Mya arenaria, suffered mortality between 2 and 7 days. Rosenberg & Loo (1988) reported mass mortalities of Mya arenaria and Cerastoderma edule in Sweden, following a eutrophication event which resulted in low oxygen concentrations over several years (often <1 ml O2/l). At the benchmark level of exposure (2 mg/l for one week) it is expected that some mortality of Fabulina fabula would occur and an intolerance of intermediate is recorded. Recoverability is recorded as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Biological pressures
Use [show more] / [show less] to open/close text displayed
| Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence / Confidence | |
Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasites [Show more]Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasitesBenchmark. Sensitivity can only be assessed relative to a known, named disease, likely to cause partial loss of a species population or community. Further details. EvidenceIndividuals of Fabulina fabula from Boulogne-sur-Mer (studied as Angulus fabula) were infected with the trematode parasite Gymnophallus strigatus, causing erosion of the shell (Giard, 1897, cited in Kinne, 1983). No indication of the possible effects of the infection were given, but it would be likely to increase mortality through shell weakening and so an intolerance of intermediate is recorded. Recoverability is assessed as high (see additional information below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Introduction of non-native species [Show more]Introduction of non-native speciesSensitivity assessed against the likely effect of the introduction of alien or non-native species in Britain or Ireland. Further details. EvidenceThere is no evidence to suggest that Fabulina fabula is likely to be intolerant of displacement by non-native species. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Extraction of this species [Show more]Extraction of this speciesBenchmark. Extraction removes 50% of the species or community from the area under consideration. Sensitivity will be assessed as 'intermediate'. The habitat remains intact or recovers rapidly. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details. EvidenceNo evidence was found concerning the targeted extraction of Fabulina fabula. | Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant |
Extraction of other species [Show more]Extraction of other speciesBenchmark. A species that is a required host or prey for the species under consideration (and assuming that no alternative host exists) or a keystone species in a biotope is removed. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details. EvidenceNo information was found concerning the effects of extraction of other species on Fabulina fabula. The species is potentially at risk from fishing activities on sandy substrata, e.g. beam trawling for flatfish, and extraction of sand by the aggregate industry (Eno, 1991). | No information | No information | No information | Not relevant |
Additional information
The life history characteristics of Fabulina fabula contribute to its strong powers of recoverability. Fabulina fabula spawns at least once a year and has a protracted breeding period (Salzwedel, 1979). No information was found concerning number of gametes produced, but the number is likely to be high as with other bivalves exhibiting planktotrophic development (Olafsson et al., 1994). Timing of spawning and settlement suggests that the larval phase lasts at least a month (Salzwedel, 1979), and therefore the species has high dispersal potential. However, post settlement development is not particularly rapid and the species may take 2 or more years to mature, particularly in colder waters at the limit of its range (Muus, 1973).Bosselmann (1988) concluded that Fabulina fabula was among a group of species with high potential for dense settlement in the German Bight as larvae were found in large numbers in the water column and the prolonged reproductive period enabled rapid settling following environmental change. Bosselmann (1991) conducted colonization experiments in an offshore subtidal region of the German Bight. Sediment containers exposed in April were heavily settled by Fabulina fabula in July. Spat had grown to a length of 3.2 mm after 1 year, suggesting that maturity would not be reached until the second summer after colonization. The author proposed that relatively slow growing species, such as Fabulina fabula, were not well adapted to opportunistic colonization of new sediments. This conclusion was supported by colonization experiments conducted by Diaz-Castaneda et al. (1989) in Dunkerque harbour. Defaunated sediments were colonized by Fabulina fabula at the end of the successional sequence. It was suggested that Fabulina fabula is an equilibrium species with a long life span for which successful spatfall is not an annual event. This does not make the species a particularly effective colonizer relative to opportunists like polychaete worms, but, due its low death rate, ensures that the species is persistent once established.
The experimental data suggest that Fabulina fabula would colonize available sediments in the year following environmental perturbation, but that a breeding population may take 2 or more years to establish. It is expected that full recovery would occur within 5 years and so recoverability is assessed as high.
Importance review
Policy/legislation
- no data -
Status
| National (GB) importance | - | Global red list (IUCN) category | - |
Non-native
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Native | - |
| Origin | - |
| Date Arrived | - |
Importance information
Salzwedel (1979) reported that Fabulina fabula is preyed upon by the boring gastropod, Lunatia intermedia, and Aberkali & Trueman (1985) reported predation by the starfish Astropecten irregularis.Bibliography
Aberkali, H.B. & Trueman, E.R., 1985. Effects of environmental stress on marine bivalve molluscs. Advances in Marine Biology, 22, 101-198.
Ansell, A.D., Barnett, P.R.O., Bodoy, A. & Masse, H., 1980. Upper temperature tolerances of some European molluscs. 1. Tellina fabula and T. tenuis. Marine Biology, 58, 33-39.
Beaumont, A.R., Newman, P.B., Mills, D.K., Waldock, M.J., Miller, D. & Waite, M.E., 1989. Sandy-substrate microcosm studies on tributyl tin (TBT) toxicity to marine organisms. Scientia Marina, 53, 737-743.
Bosselmann, A., 1988. Settlement and succession of benthic animals - subtidal experiment in the German Bight compared with the "Benthosgarten" experiment in Kiel Bay. Kieler Meeresforsuchungen Sonderhefte, 6, 375-388.
Bosselmann, A., 1989. Larval plankton and recruitment of macrofauna in a subtidal area in the German Bight. In Reproduction, Genetics and Distributions of Marine Organisms (ed. J.S. Ryland & P.A. Tyler), pp. 43-54.
Bosselmann, A., 1991. Recruitment and postlarval growth of some macrozoobenthos species in the German Bight. Meeresforschung, 33, 141-158.
Bryan, G.W. & Gibbs, P.E., 1991. Impact of low concentrations of tributyltin (TBT) on marine organisms: a review. In: Metal ecotoxicology: concepts and applications (ed. M.C. Newman & A.W. McIntosh), pp. 323-361. Boston: Lewis Publishers Inc.
Bryan, G.W. & Langston, W.J., 1992. Bioavailability, accumulation and effects of heavy metals in sediments with special reference to UK estuaries: a review. Environmental Pollution, 76, 89-131.
Conan, G., 1982. The long-term effects of the Amoco Cadiz oil spill. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B, 297, 323-333.
Cotter, A.J.R., Walker, P., Coates, P., Cook, W. & Dare, P.J., 1997. Trial of a tractor dredger for cockles in Burry Inlet, South Wales. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 54, 72-83.
Diaz-Castaneda, V., Richard, A. & Frontier, S., 1989. Preliminary results on colonization, recovery and succession in a polluted areas of the southern North Sea (Dunkerque's Harbour, France). Scientia Marina, 53, 705-716.
Eno, N.C., 1991. Marine Conservation Handbook. English Nature, Peterborough.
Fish, J.D. & Fish, S., 1996. A student's guide to the seashore. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hayward, P., Nelson-Smith, T. & Shields, C. 1996. Collins pocket guide. Sea shore of Britain and northern Europe. London: HarperCollins.
Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. (ed.) 1995b. Handbook of the marine fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hiscock, K., 1983. Water movement. In Sublittoral ecology. The ecology of shallow sublittoral benthos (ed. R. Earll & D.G. Erwin), pp. 58-96. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Hiscock, K., ed. 1998. Marine Nature Conservation Review. Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), 1999. Marine Environment Resource Mapping And Information Database (MERMAID): Marine Nature Conservation Review Survey Database. [on-line] http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid
Jorgensen, B.B., 1980. Seasonal oxygen depletion in the bottom waters of a Danish fjord and its effect on the benthic community. Oikos, 32, 68-76.
Kinne, O. (ed.), 1983. Diseases of marine animals, volume II. Introduction, Bivalvia to Scaphopoda. Biologische Anstalt Helgoland.
Kröncke, I., 1990. Macrofauna standing stock of the Dogger Bank. A comparison: II. 1951 - 1952 versus 1985 - 1987. Are changes in the community of the northeastern part of the Dogger Bank due to environmental changes? Netherlands Journal of Sea Research, 25, 189-198.
Lopez-Jamar, E., Francesch, O., Dorrio, A.V. & Parra, S., 1995. Long term variation of the infaunal benthos of La Coruna Bay (NW Spain): results from a 12-year study (1982-1993). Scientia Marina, 59(suppl. 1), 49-61.
Muus, K., 1973. Settling, growth and mortality of young bivalves in the Øresund. Ophelia, 12, 79-116.
Olafsson, E.B., Peterson, C.H. & Ambrose, W.G. Jr., 1994. Does recruitment limitation structure populations and communities of macro-invertebrates in marine soft sediments: the relative significance of pre- and post-settlement processes. Oceanography and Marine Biology: an Annual Review, 32, 65-109
Picton, B.E. & Costello, M.J., 1998. BioMar biotope viewer: a guide to marine habitats, fauna and flora of Britain and Ireland. [CD-ROM] Environmental Sciences Unit, Trinity College, Dublin.
Rees, E.I.S., Nicholaidou, A. & Laskaridou, P., 1977. The effects of storms on the dynamics of shallow water benthic associations. In Proceedings of the 11th European Symposium on Marine Biology, Galway, Ireland, October 5-11, 1976. Biology of Benthic Organisms, (ed. B.F. Keegan, P. O'Ceidigh & P.J.S. Boaden), pp. 465-474.
Rosenberg, R. & Loo, L., 1988. Marine eutrophication induced oxygen deficiency: effects on soft bottom fauna, western Sweden. Ophelia, 29, 213-225.
Salzwedel, H., 1979. Reproduction, growth, mortality and variations in abundance and biomass of Tellina fabula (Bivalvia) in the German Bight in 1975/1976. Veroffentlichungen des Instituts fur Meeresforschung in Bremerhaven, 18, 111-202.
Seaward, D.R., 1990. Distribution of marine molluscs of north west Europe. Peterborough: Nature Conservancy Council.
Stirling, E.A., 1975. Some effects of pollutants on the behaviour of the bivalve Tellina tenuis. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 6, 122-124.
Suchanek, T.H., 1993. Oil impacts on marine invertebrate populations and communities. American Zoologist, 33, 510-523. DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/33.6.510
Tebble, N., 1976. British Bivalve Seashells. A Handbook for Identification, 2nd ed. Edinburgh: British Museum (Natural History), Her Majesty's Stationary Office.
Warwick, R.M., George, C.L. & Davies, J.R., 1978. Annual macrofauna production in a Venus community. Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science, 7, 215-241.
Wilson, J.G., 1978. Upper temperature tolerances of Tellina tenuis and T. fabula. Marine Biology, 45, 123-128.
Withers, R.G., 1977. Soft-shore macrobenthos along the south west coast of Wales. Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science, 5, 467-484.
Datasets
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, 2018. Ulster Museum Marine Surveys of Northern Ireland Coastal Waters. Occurrence dataset https://www.nmni.com/CEDaR/CEDaR-Centre-for-Environmental-Data-and-Recording.aspx accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-25.
Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland, 2018. Mollusc (marine) data for Great Britain and Ireland - restricted access. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/4bsawx accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.
Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland, 2023. Mollusc (marine) records for Great Britain and Ireland. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/aurwcz accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-09-27.
Environmental Records Information Centre North East, 2018. ERIC NE Combined dataset to 2017. Occurrence dataset: http://www.ericnortheast.org.ukl accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-38
Kent Wildlife Trust, 2018. Kent Wildlife Trust Shoresearch Intertidal Survey 2004 onwards. Occurrence dataset: https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-01.
Manx Biological Recording Partnership, 2017. Isle of Man wildlife records from 01/01/2000 to 13/02/2017. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/mopwow accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.
Merseyside BioBank., 2018. Merseyside BioBank (unverified). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/iou2ld accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.
NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Atlas. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.
Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service, 2017. NBIS Records to December 2016. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/jca5lo accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.
OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System), 2025. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2025-05-21
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. SEWBReC Molluscs (South East Wales). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/jos5ga accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.
Citation
This review can be cited as:
Last Updated: 17/04/2008
