BIOTIC Species Information for Ampelisca tenuicornis
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameAmpelisca tenuicornis Common nameAn amphipod
MCS CodeS440 Recent SynonymsNot researched
PhylumCrustacea Subphylum
Superclass ClassEumalacostraca
SubclassPeracarida OrderAmphipoda
SuborderGammaridea FamilyAmpeliscidae
GenusAmpelisca Speciestenuicornis
Subspecies   
Additional Information
Taxonomy References
General Biology
Growth formArticulate
 Feeding methodPassive suspension feeder
Active suspension feeder
Surface deposit feeder
Sub-surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementSwimmer
Burrower
Temporary attachment
 Environmental positionEpifaunal
Epilithic
Typical food typesFeeds on detritus, larvae and small organisms from the sediment surface or overlying water (Sheader, 1988). HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityLow (10-45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Sheader, 1988, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound on most British and Ireland coasts from the Shetlands to the Scilly Isles..
Global distributionFound in western Europe from the Shetlands south to the Mediterranean.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range
MigratoryInsufficient info.   
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferencesMuddy sand
 Physiographic preferencesInsufficient information
Biological zoneInsufficient information
 Wave exposureInsufficient information
Tidal stream strength/Water flowField unresearched
 SalinityInsufficient information
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
 Developmental mechanismDirect Development
Reproductive SeasonJune - September Reproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequencyBiannual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span1-2 years Age at reproductive maturity
Generation timeInsufficient information Fecundity56
Egg/propagule size Fertilization type
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialVery limited (<1m) Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stageNot relevant   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationBivoltine annual i.e. 2 generations per year, June to Oct breeding season in English Channel (Dauvin, 1988b). The first generation breed within a couple of months of recruitment and only live for three of four months (Dauvin, 1988b). Second generation live much longer. Embryos incubated for up to six weeks. Males enter the water column after becoming mature and can be found in relatively high quantities in the suprabenthic at night (Sheader, 1977; Dauvin & Zouhiri, 1996).
Reproduction References Dauvin, 1988b, Sheader, 1977, Dauvin & Zouhiri, 1996,
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