Aphelochaeta marioni and Tubificoides spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud
Description (English)
Variable salinity cohesive muddy sediment (sometimes with some coarser material) dominated by the polychaete Aphelochaeta marioni (or other Aphelochaeta species e.g. A. amplivasatus) and the oligochaete Tubificoides spp. These taxa are generally accompanied by Nephtys hombergii whilst the polychaetes Capitella capitata and Melinna palmata may also occur in high numbers in some areas. Other members of the cirratulid polychaete group e.g. Caulleriella zetlandica. and Tharyx spp. may also occur in high numbers, sometimes replacing A. marioni as the dominant polychaete. However, there is still inconsistency in the identification of the cirratulid group which is further compounded by fragmentation during sample processing. This biotope is very common in stable muddy environments and may extend from reduced salinity to fully marine conditions.
Situation: This biotope may also be found in conjunction with A5.331.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.322 |
|---|---|
| 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
Nephtys hombergii
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Nephtys hombergii | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SMu.SMuVS.AphTubi | <I>Aphelochaeta marioni</I> and <I>Tubificoides</I> spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.2. | Estuaries | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.322 | Aphelochaeta marioni and Tubificoides spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A4.322 | Aphelochaeta marioni and Tubificoides spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A4.322 | Aphelochaeta marioni and Tubificoides spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A4.322 | Aphelochaeta marioni and Tubificoides spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud | same |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | IMU.EstMu.AphTub | Aphelochaeta marioni and Tubificoides spp. in variable salinity infralittoral mud | same |
