A gammarid shrimp (Gammarus salinus)
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Researched by | Georgina Budd | Refereed by | This information is not refereed |
Authority | Spooner, 1947 | ||
Other common names | - | Synonyms | - |
Summary
Description
Gammarus salinus has a laterally compressed, smooth, curved body, which grows up to 22 mm in length. Its body is divided into three segments; head, pereon (thorax) and pleon (abdomen), but its abdomen is not distinctly demarcated from the thorax in either size or shape. Its head lacks a carapace and is fused with the first thoracic segment. Two well developed elongate pairs of antennae are distinct. Both pairs are pedunculate (a stalk consisting of larger segments) with a long, multi-articulate flagellum. The first pair of antennae have a small accessory flagellum, whilst the second pair have many, longer bristles. Its sessile compound eyes are large, elongate and kidney shaped. Each body segment has its own pair of limbs; pereopods on the thorax and pleopods (used for swimming) and uropods (used for hopping/scudding about on substrata) on the abdomen. The first pair of thoracic limbs are modified into maxillipeds, used for feeding, whilst the second and third pair have a distinctly different, more robust structure and are called gnathopods. The tail-piece (telson) is lobed with bristles and spines. Gammarus salinus appears brownish or greenish brown in colour, with slight transverse banding along the body.
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
On all coasts of England, Scotland and Wales in brackish-water, especially in the Humber and Severn Estuaries.Global distribution
North-west Europe from English Channel to Baltic, some isolated reports of Gammarus salinus on the Iberian Peninsula.Habitat
Gammarus salinus inhabits brackish waters of an intermediate salinity. The densest populations have been found in the middle reaches of estuaries that do not have a steep salinity gradient. Gammarus salinus lives amongst algae and other vegetation, as well as generally over the sediment surface and beneath stones.Depth range
0-10 mIdentifying features
- Laterally compressed smooth body; < 22 mm in length, with limbs on each body segment
- The lateral lobe of the head is angular and truncated with a deep post-antennal sinus
- Large, elongated kidney-shaped compound eyes
- Two pairs of pedunculate antennae. Antenna 1, peduncle article 1 has about 6 ventral groups of bristles (setae), article 2 has 5-6 setal groups and article 3 has 2-3 setal groups. The long multi-articulated flagellum has an accessory flagellum equal in length to the length of peduncle article 2. Antenna 2 more bristled, with calceoli (sensory structure) present in males.
- Amphipod telson is of major taxonomic importance from specific through to familial level; telson lobes of Gammarus salinus have 3 apical, 1 sub-apical and 1-2 lateral spines, each group with a few setae, which may be longer than associated spines
- Brownish or greenish brown in colour, with light banding
- Distinguished from Gammarus zaddachi Sexton, by less pronounced setation (coverage of hair-like bristles) on body and appendages.
Additional information
- Nine other marine species of Gammarus are found around the British Isles: Gammarus locusta, Gammarus zaddachi, Gammarus oceanicus, Gammarus chevreuxi,Gammarus tigrinus, Gammarus finmarchicus, Gammarus duebeni, Gammarus insensibilis and Gammarus crinicornis (Lincoln, 1979).
- Accurate identification of amphipods requires a certain amount of manipulation under a microscope.
Listed by
- none -
Biology review
Taxonomy
Level | Scientific name | Common name |
---|---|---|
Class | Malacostraca | Crabs, lobsters, sand hoppers and sea slaters |
Order | Amphipoda | Sand hoppers and skeleton shrimps |
Family | Gammaridae | |
Genus | Gammarus | |
Authority | Spooner, 1947 | |
Recent Synonyms |
Biology
Parameter | Data | ||
---|---|---|---|
Typical abundance | |||
Male size range | < 22mm | ||
Male size at maturity | |||
Female size range | 7-8mm | ||
Female size at maturity | |||
Growth form | Articulate | ||
Growth rate | |||
Body flexibility | High (greater than 45 degrees) | ||
Mobility | |||
Characteristic feeding method | Surface deposit feeder | ||
Diet/food source | Herbivore | ||
Typically feeds on | Organic detritus and seaweed. | ||
Sociability | |||
Environmental position | Epibenthic | ||
Dependency | No information found. | ||
Supports | No information | ||
Is the species harmful? | No |
Biology information
Moulting. Kinné (1960) found that the frequency (days - weeks) at which Gammarus salinus moulted varied with changes in temperature, the intervals being longer in males than in females. Females kept without a male showed a progressive prolongation of the intervals between moults beginning with the 3rd or 4th interval following isolation. Females kept together with males, in pairs, and maintained moults at constant intervals. No differences were observed to occur in different salinities of 5, 10 and 30 psu.
Habitat preferences
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Physiographic preferences | Estuary |
Biological zone preferences | Lower infralittoral, Upper infralittoral |
Substratum / habitat preferences | Macroalgae, Coarse clean sand, Gravel / shingle |
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.) |
Wave exposure preferences | Extremely sheltered, Sheltered, Very sheltered |
Salinity preferences | Low (<18 psu), Reduced (18-30 psu) |
Depth range | 0-10 m |
Other preferences | No text entered |
Migration Pattern | Non-migratory or resident |
Habitat Information
Gammarus species are abundant estuarine animals. Spooner (1947) stated that gammarids were adaptable to various surroundings and not limited to particularly specialised ecological niches. Nor did they show gross patchiness of distribution within their habitable range, rather continuous populations occupy the entire length of estuaries, although the proportion of species represented changes from head to mouth. Furthermore, gammarids are relatively indifferent to the nature of the substratum to a remarkable degree. Provided that there is some kind of object to provide them with shelter/cover it does not matter whether the substratum is muddy or stony, the water turbid or clear and almost any kind of organic matter provides detritus upon which to feed (Spooner, 1947).The distributional range of Gammarus salinus to the south was thought to be restricted as far as the English Channel. However, Van Maren (1975) reported Gammarus salinus for the first time on the Spanish coast in 1974.
Life history
Adult characteristics
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Reproductive type | Gonochoristic (dioecious) |
Reproductive frequency | Annual protracted |
Fecundity (number of eggs) | See additional information |
Generation time | <1 year |
Age at maturity | 20-30 days |
Season | Autumn - Spring |
Life span | <1 year |
Larval characteristics
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Larval/propagule type | - |
Larval/juvenile development | Direct development |
Duration of larval stage | Not relevant |
Larval dispersal potential | 100 -1000 m |
Larval settlement period | Not relevant |
Life history information
Leineweber (1985) sampled a population of Gammarus salinus over 15 months in the south-western Kattegat at Sangstrup Klint, Denmark and reported that Gammarus salinus most likely had two generations per year, mature females were found from late November to late July. However, in the Limfjord, Denmark, the population of Gammarus salinus was reported to only produce one generation between 1977-1978, despite the presence of egg bearing females throughout the year (Kolding & Fenchel, 1979). Juveniles were most numerous from April through to July, and in the warmer months between July and October a relatively stable population was attained. The main reproduction period occurred during the winter months, with 80% of the female population reported to be pregnant, the adult generation died in May.During reproduction, the male carries the smaller female grasped by his gnathopods, a condition known as amplexus. The animals separate briefly to permit the final preadult moult of the female. Sperm transfer is accomplished quickly; the male twists his abdomen around so that his uropods touch the female marsupium (brood pouch) and sperm are swept into the marsupium by the ventilating current created by the female. Finally the pair separate (Rupert & Barnes, 1994). The eggs are brooded within a chamber, the marsupium, beneath the thorax, formed by shelf-like plates projecting inward from the thoracic coxae.
Kinné (1960) examined the effects of different temperatures and salinity on the incubation time of Gammarus salinus. At a temperature between 19-20 °C females attained sexual maturity (1st oviposition) 20-30 days after hatching; their average length (from tip of rostrum to base of telson) being 7-8 mm. Males reached maturity one or more weeks later than the females. The incubation time (period between oviposition and hatching) of the eggs depended largely on the temperature at which the females were maintained; < 14 °C incubation took over 15 days and decreased to 5 days at 20 °C. As in other amphipods Kinné (1960) found that the fecundity of females increased with length, with numbers of eggs varying in a clutch (Ruppert & Barnes, 1994).
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
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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 EvidenceGammarus salinus lives in a variety of locations within the estuarine environment: amongst algae and other vegetation, as well as generally over the sediment surface and beneath stones. Gammarus salinus is a mobile species capable of a rapid escape response and therefore likely to be able to local substratum loss. Nevertheless, a proportion of the population is likely to be removed with the substratum. Therefore, an intolerance assessment of intermediate has been made. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information below. | Intermediate | Very high | Low | Low |
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. EvidenceGammarus salinus lives in a variety of locations within the estuarine environment: amongst algae and other vegetation, as well as generally over the sediment surface and beneath stones. It is a mobile species capable of a rapid escape response (back flip) if disturbed, however in the event of suddenly being smothered by 5 cm of sediment individuals resting on the surface may be killed, particularly so if the materials are viscous or impermeable. Intolerance has been assessed to be intermediate. Recovery has been assessed to be very high owing to the production of an new generation within the year (see additional information below). | Intermediate | Very high | Low | Moderate |
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 EvidenceAs an estuarine species Gammarus salinus probably experiences fluctuations in the concentration of suspended sediment, which in the estuarine environment may be measurable in grams per litre (benchmark is mg per litre). Consequently the benchmark increase for the duration of one month is unlikely to affect Gammarus salinus and it has been assessed to be tolerant. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
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 EvidenceAs an estuarine species Gammarus salinus probably experiences fluctuations in the concentration of suspended sediment, which in the estuarine environment may be measurable in grams per litre (benchmark is mg per litre). Consequently the benchmark decrease for the duration of one month is unlikely to affect Gammarus salinus and it has been assessed to be tolerant. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
Desiccation [Show more]Desiccation
EvidenceDesiccation events are unlikely to prove a lethal factor to a species with a rapid escape response and ability to find cover. Consequently, the species is probably sufficiently mobile to avoid prolonged exposure if stranded and intolerance has been assessed to be low. Recovery is likely to be immediate upon finding cover. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | Moderate |
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 EvidenceIn the estuarine environment Gammarus salinus may experience regular periods of immersion and emersion. At low tide it probably seeks shelter amongst vegetation, under pebbles / rock or burrows loosely into the surface of the substratum in order to avoid the effects of desiccation. Gammarus salinus is a relatively slow crawler, swimming using the three pairs of pleopods is much faster. However, the speciality of amphipods is the tail-flip, a rapid escape response whereby the abdomen flicks the animal away after the uropods are dug into the ground. Consequently, the species is probably sufficiently mobile to avoid prolonged exposure resulting from an increase in emergence and intolerance has been assessed to be low. Recovery is likely to be immediate upon finding cover. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | Moderate |
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 EvidenceIn the estuarine environment Gammarus salinus may experience regular periods of immersion and emersion. An increased period of immersion may favour fish which prey upon Gammarus salinus such as sprats, Sprattus sprattus. However, although normally abundant in the environment, Gammarus salinus was ingested in disproportionately small quantities by other fish, perhaps reflecting its concealment amongst floating weeds and a selection made by larger fish against small (< 1 cm) prey items (Moore & Moore, 1976). Intolerance has been assessed to be low and recoverability likely to be very high (see additional information, below). | Low | Very high | Very Low | Moderate |
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 EvidenceSpooner (1947) stated that species of Gammarus are relatively indifferent to the nature of the substratum to a remarkable degree, provided that there is some kind of object to provide them with shelter/cover. However, an increase in the water flow rate would increase scour which, over the period of a year (see benchmark) may create the problem of retaining a position in the estuarine environment, against conditions of net seaward transport. Therefore intolerance has been assessed to be high as the population may be washed from the estuary. Recovery and repopulation are likely to occur within a year (see additional information, below). | High | Very 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 EvidenceA decrease in water flow rate, in the absence of wave action determining particle grain size, would favour the accretion of finer silts and clays. Such deposition would alter not only the physical properties of the substratum, but also the chemical properties, especially the degree of oxygenation. Spooner (1947) stated that species of Gammarus are relatively indifferent to the nature of the substratum to a remarkable degree, provided that there is some kind of object to provide them with shelter/cover and such changes are unlikely to be of consequence to Gammarus salinus. Therefore, an assessment of tolerant has been made. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
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 EvidenceGammarus salinus lives in brackish waters and experiences a variety of temperature and salinity changes. Furch (1972) exposed Gammarus salinus to both constant (8 °C, 14 °C & 20 °C) and fluctuating (daily fluctuations between 8 °C to 20 °C) temperatures. The species revealed significant differences in heat resistance, which became apparent within 12 hours. Gammarus salinus was able to endure long term exposure (2 to 4 weeks) to fluctuating temperatures, although fast temperature changes (every hour) were less well tolerated by it than slower temperature fluctuations (2 hours). Intolerance has been assessed to be low, as acute temperature changes may cause additional stress but did not result in mortality. Recovery from rapid fluctuations was apparent within a matter of hours, therefore recovery has been assessed to be immediate. Parasitized specimens may be more intolerant of acute temperature increases. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | Moderate |
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 EvidenceGammarus salinus lives in brackish waters and experiences a variety of temperature and salinity changes. The distribution of Gammarus salinus extends to the north of the UK, into the Baltic Sea, so the species would probably tolerate a chronic decrease of 2 °C. Acute temperature decreases may cause death of vulnerable individuals, such as those that are parasitized owing to additional stress, and intolerance has been assessed to be intermediate. | Intermediate | Very high | Low | Low |
Increase in turbidity [Show more]Increase in turbidity
EvidenceGammarus salinus may feed upon macroalgae as well as detritus, which is dependant on light availability for photosynthesis. An increase in turbidity for the duration of a year would reduce light penetration and therefore probably the abundance of macroalgae as a food resource which may consequently affect the species viability. Therefore intolerance to increased turbidity has been assessed to be low. The species is likely to have a very high capacity for recovery (see additional information below). | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Decrease in turbidity [Show more]Decrease in turbidity
EvidenceGammarus salinus is not likely to be directly sensitive to decreased turbidity. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
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 EvidenceGammarus salinus normally inhabits relatively well sheltered estuarine environments. It is likely to be washed away as a result of increased wave exposure owing to turbulence displacing it from shelter. The algae on which it feeds may also become detached, reducing its food source. Consequently intolerance has been assessed to be high. | High | High | Moderate | 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 EvidenceDecreased wave exposure is likely to result in changes to the composition of the estuarine substratum e.g., the accretion of finer particulate matter, settling out as a result of reduced turbulence. However, Spooner (1947) considered that species of Gammarus were relatively indifferent to the nature of the substratum to a remarkable degree, provided that they could find cover and it has been assessed as tolerant of a decrease in wave exposure. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Noise [Show more]Noise
EvidenceGammarus salinus may respond to vibrations caused by noise, but it is unlikely to be directly sensitive to noise at the benchmark level. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
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 EvidenceGammarus salinus is unlikely to have the visual acuity to detect the presence of boats, machinery present in its environment, and it has been assessed not to be sensitive to the factor. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
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. EvidenceGammarus salinus is small, a highly mobile and likely to be able to avoid physical disturbance or to pass through passing fishing gear. Therefore, it has been assessed to be tolerant of physical disturbance. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
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 EvidenceGammarus salinus is a mobile species and therefore an intolerance assessment for displacement was not considered to be relevant. | Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant |
Chemical pressures
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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 specifically concerning the effects of synthetic chemicals upon Gammarus salinus was found. However, in the closely related Gammarus duebeni, reproductive behaviour in the male is evoked by its detection of a chemical cue from the female. The cue is perceived by receptors on the second antennae and its function is to synchronize mating with the suitable phase of ecdysis in the female. Low concentration of the surfactant TWEEN 80 were shown to interfere with the reception of the females chemical cues, resulting in a decrease in mating success (Lyes, 1979). | Low | Very high | Very Low | Moderate |
Heavy metal contamination [Show more]Heavy metal contaminationEvidence
intolerance has been assessed to be low owing to evidence of only sub-lethal effects of heavy metals and influence upon embryogenesis in another closely related species. Gammarus salinus is likely to have a very high capacity for recovery (see additional information below), assuming deterioration of the contaminants. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Moderate |
Hydrocarbon contamination [Show more]Hydrocarbon contaminationEvidenceAmphipods have been reported to be sensitive to oil (Suchanek, 1993).
intolerance of Gammarus salinus to hydrocarbon contamination has been assessed to be high. Despite a very high capacity for recovery (see additional information below), recovery from hydrocarbon contamination has been assessed to be high rather than very high owing to the probable persistence of oil in sediments and the likelihood that juveniles are especially susceptible. | High | High | Moderate | High |
Radionuclide contamination [Show more]Radionuclide contaminationEvidenceInsufficient | No information | Not relevant | No information | Not relevant |
Changes in nutrient levels [Show more]Changes in nutrient levelsEvidenceGammarus salinus is a both a detritivore and herbivore, consequently it may benefit form nutrient enrichment that stimulates the productivity of phytoplankton and macroalgae. Anger (1977) listed Gammarus salinus as an indicator species for slight organic pollution. Furthermore, Gammarus salinus has demonstrated a negative rheotaxic response to lethal and sublethal concentrations of oxygen (see oxygenation) which may result as a consequence of eutrophication. Therefore it has been assessed to be tolerant* to nutrient enrichment. | Tolerant* | Not relevant | Not sensitive* | Low |
Increase in salinity [Show more]Increase in salinity
EvidenceGammarus salinus is a euryhaline species relatively tolerant of salinities as low as 2 psu and as high as 30 psu, but it is most abundant at 10 psu. It is likely that the species would experience some physiological stress following an acute increase in salinity (see decrease in salinity below), intolerance has therefore been assessed to be low and, as an euryhaline species, it is likely to recover relatively rapidly. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | Low |
Decrease in salinity [Show more]Decrease in salinity
EvidenceGammarus salinus is a euryhaline species relatively tolerant of salinities as low as 2 psu and as high as 30 psu, but it is most abundant at 10 psu. Bulnheim (1984) recorded the respiratory response of Gammarus salinus in response to an acute salinity change, from 30 psu to 10 psu, respiration rate moderately increased after an initial shock like response and initially specimens were quiescent as they acclimated to the decreased salinity but recovered within 24 hours. Intolerance has therefore been assessed to be low and recovery immediate. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | High |
Changes in oxygenation [Show more]Changes in oxygenationBenchmark. Exposure to a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/l for one week. Further details. EvidenceGammarids are occasionally found in locations with reduced O2 tensions, especially on soft substratum, in stagnant pools and in polluted waters. In deeper waters oxygen deficiency may be accompanied by the formation of hydrogen sulphide. Bulnheim (1984) examined the survival rates of five gammarid species held in brackish water with poor oxygenation. The LT 50 for Gammarus salinus held at 15 °C, 10 psu with a depleted oxygen level of 0.5 ml O2/l was 6.5 hours, 100% mortality occurred after 15 hours. Gammarus salinus being more tolerant than Gammarus locusta and Gammarus oceanicus. Gammarus salinus had an LT50 of 4 hours in brackish-water (10 psu) with oxygen depletion in the presence of hydrogen sulphide (< 0.2 ml O2/l + 50 mg Na2S.9H2O/l) at 15 °C . However, Vobis (1973) used an experimental vessel to observe the behaviour of gammarids in various water current speeds and oxygen concentrations. In adequately oxygenated waters, Gammarus salinus demonstrated a moderate positive rheotaxis (swimming into the current). Lethal and sublethal oxygen concentrations, however, led to negative rheotaxis (swimming away from the current). Oxygen deficiency caused Gammarus salinus to swim downstream at 2.5 mg O2 per litre. An intolerance assessment of low has been made, as the species can avoid the factor. The species is likely to repopulate areas as soon as the oxygen concentration of the water becomes optimal and recovery has been assessed to be immediate. | Low | Immediate | Not sensitive | High |
Biological pressures
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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. EvidenceGammarus salinus, Gammarus zaddachi and Gammarus oceanicus were found to be important host species for the transmission of parasites (Voigt, 1991). Larval stages of 4 fish parasites (1 Nematoda, 2 Acanthocephala and 1 Digena) as well as larval stages of 4 bird parasites (1 Nematoda, 1 Acanthocephala, 1 Digena and 1 Cestoda) were found. However, there was insufficient information concerning the effect that such parasitization may have on the species viability. | No information | Not relevant | No information | Not relevant |
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. EvidenceNo information concerning non-native species that might affect the abundance or survival of Gammarus salinus was found. | No information | Not relevant | No information | Not relevant |
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. EvidenceGammarus salinus is not a species targeted for extraction. | 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 concerning the extraction of other species that might affect the abundance or survival of Gammarus salinus was found. | No information | Not relevant | No information | Not relevant |
Additional information
Recoverability. Gammarus salinus is an abundant, widespread species which typically produces two generations within its lifespan of a year, consequently the species is likely to have a very high capacity for recovery.
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
Bibliography
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Cabioch, L., Dauvin, J.C. & Gentil, F., 1978. Preliminary observations on pollution of the sea bed and disturbance of sub-littoral communities in northern Brittany by oil from the Amoco Cadiz. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 9, 303-307.
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Eltringham, S.K., 1971. Life in mud and sand. London: The English Universities Press Ltd.
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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
Kinné, O., 1960. Gammarus salinus - einige Daten uber den Umwelt-einfluss auf Wachstum, Hautungsfolge, Herzfrequenz und Eientwicklungsdauer. Crustaceana, 1, 208-217.
Kolding, S. & Fenchel, T.M., 1979. Coexistence and life cycle characteristics of five species of the amphipod genus Gammarus. Oikos, 33, 323-327.
Kolding, S., 1981. A key for marine and brackishwater Gammarus species (Crustacea, Amphipoda). Natura Jutlandica, 19, 57-60.
Lawrence, A.J. & Poulter, C., 2001. Impact of copper, pentachlorophenol and benzo[a]pyrene on the swimming efficiency and embryogenesis of the amphipod Chaetogammarus marinus. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 223, 213-223.
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Datasets
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OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System), 2024. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2024-10-10
Citation
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Last Updated: 19/08/2002