Mytilus edulis beds on sublittoral sediment
Description (English)
Shallow sublittoral mixed sediment, in fully marine coastal habitats or sometimes in variable salinity conditions in the outer regions of estuaries, are characterised by beds of the common mussel Mytilus edulis. Other characterising infaunal species may include the amphipod Gammarus salinus and oligochaetes of the genus Tubificoides. The polychaetes Harmothoe spp., Kefersteinia cirrata and Heteromastus filiformis are also important. Epifaunal species in addition to the M. edulis include the whelks Nucella lapillus and Buccinum undatum, the common starfish Asterias rubens the spider crab Maja squinado and the anemone Urticina felina. Relatively few records are available for this biotope and it is possible that as more data is accumulated separate estuarine and fully marine sub-biotopes may be described. Further clarification may also be required with regard to the overlap between littoral and sublittoral mussel beds and with regard to mussel beds biotopes on hard substratum.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code A5.625 |
---|---|
Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A5) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
---|---|---|
Asterias rubens | Invertebrates | |
Buccinum undatum | Invertebrates | |
Gammarus salinus | Invertebrates | |
Maja squinado | Invertebrates | |
Mytilus edulis | Invertebrates | |
Nucella lapillus | Dog whelk | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SBR.SMus.MytSS | <I>Mytilus edulis</I> beds on sublittoral sediment | source |
CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.2. | Estuaries | n/a |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.625 | Mytilus edulis beds on sublittoral sediment | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A4.432 | Mytilus edulis beds in variable salinity shallow-water mixed sediment | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A4.452 | Mytilus edulis beds in variable salinity shallow-water mixed sediment | same |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | IMX.EstMx.MytV | Mytilus edulis beds in variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment | same |