Arenicola marina in infralittoral mud
Description (English)
In very shallow, extremely sheltered, very soft muds Arenicola marina may form very conspicuous mounds and casts. This biotope may also contain synaptid holothurians such as Labidoplax media and Leptosynapta bergensis or L. inhaerens. However these species may be under recorded (possibly due to periodicity in feeding) and are not considered characteristic of this biotope. Other conspicuous fauna may include Carcinus maenas, Asterias rubens and Pagurus bernhardus whilst the scallop Pecten maximus and the turret shell Turritella communis may also be present in some areas.
Situation: This biotope typically occurs in waters shallower than about 5 m in sheltered basins of sealochs and lagoons that may be partially separated from the open sea by tidal narrows or rapids.
Temporal variation: Sediment surfaces may become covered by a diatom film at certain times of the year
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.342 |
|---|---|
| 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
Invertebrates
Arenicola marina
Invertebrates
Asterias rubens
Invertebrates
Carcinus maenas
Invertebrates
Labidoplax media
Invertebrates
Leptosynapta bergensis
Invertebrates
Pagurus bernhardus
Invertebrates
Pecten maximus
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Arenicola marina | Invertebrates | |
| Asterias rubens | Invertebrates | |
| Carcinus maenas | Invertebrates | |
| Labidoplax media | Invertebrates | |
| Leptosynapta bergensis | Invertebrates | |
| Pagurus bernhardus | Invertebrates | |
| Pecten maximus | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SMu.IFiMu.Are | <I>Arenicola marina</I> in infralittoral mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.342 | Arenicola marina in infralittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A4.312 | Arenicola marina in infralittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A4.312 | Arenicola marina and synaptid holothurians in extremely shallow soft mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A4.312 | Arenicola marina and synaptid holothurians in extremely shallow soft mud | same |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | IMU.MarMu.AreSyn | Arenicola marina and synaptid holothurians in extremely shallow soft mud | same |
