Nephtys hombergii, Macoma balthica and Streblospio shrubsolii in littoral sandy mud
Description (English)
Soft mud with a fine sand fraction, in variable salinity conditions, typically close to the head of estuaries. The infauna is dominated by the polychaete worm Streblospio shrubsolii, the polychaete Nephtys hombergii, oligochaetes of the genus Tubificoides, and the Baltic tellin Macoma balthica. The ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the spire shell Hydrobia ulvae are often common or abundant.
Situation: This unit occurs in mid estuary conditions, usually on the low shore. Units A2.323 and A2.3223 may occur higher up the shore, as well as further towards the upper estuary.
Temporal variation: Enteromorpha spp. and Ulva lactuca may form mats on the surface of the mud during the summer months, particularly in areas of nutrient enrichment.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A2.311 |
|---|---|
| Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A2.3) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Algae
Ulva lactuca
Invertebrates
Macoma balthica
Invertebrates
Nephtys hombergii
Invertebrates
Streblospio shrubsolii
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Ulva lactuca | Algae | |
| Macoma balthica | Invertebrates | |
| Nephtys hombergii | Invertebrates | |
| Streblospio shrubsolii | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | LS.LMu.MEst.NhomMacStr | <I>Nephtys hombergii</I>, <I>Macoma balthica</I> and <I>Streblospio shrubsolii</I> in littoral sandy mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 4.2.3. | Intertidal flats | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.311 | Nephtys hombergii, Macoma balthica and Streblospio shrubsolii in littoral sandy mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A2.372 | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A2.372 | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A2.322 | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | LMU.Mu.HedStr | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
