Hediste diversicolor and Corophium volutator in littoral mud
Description (English)
Sheltered estuarine shores of sandy mud, which may become firm and compacted if present in the upper shore where there is more time for drainage between high tides. An anoxic layer is usually present within the first 5 cm of the sediment. The infauna is very sparse, usually only the ragworm Hediste diversicolor and the amphipod Corophium volutator are present in any abundance. Occasionally, oligochaetes or the spire shell Hydrobia ulvae may be present. Corophium multisetosum may also be found. There may be organic pollution of the sediment.
Situation: This unit may occur on the same shores as units A2.313, A2.312, NhomAph, and A2.3221. Higher up on the shore, and/or further towards the head of the estuary, A2.3223 may occur, changing to A2.323 at the upper extreme of the estuary.
Temporal variation: Enteromorpha spp. or Ulva lactuca may form mats on the surface of the sediment during the summer months, particularly in areas of freshwater influence and/or where there is nutrient enrichment.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A2.3222 |
|---|---|
| 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
Corophium multisetosum
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Ulva lactuca | Algae | |
| Corophium multisetosum | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | LS.LMu.UEst.Hed.Cvol | <I>Hediste diversicolor</I> and <I>Corophium volutator</I> in littoral mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 4.2.3. | Intertidal flats | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.3222 | Hediste diversicolor and Corophium volutator in littoral mud | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.34 | Corophium spp. in soft mud shores | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A2.373 | Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes in low salinity mud shores | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A2.373 | Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes in low salinity mud shores | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A2.323 | Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes in low salinity mud shores | overlap |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | LMU.Mu.HedOl | Hediste diversicolor and oligochaetes in low salinity mud shores | overlap |
