EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB6 - Infralittoral mud > MB62 - Atlantic infralittoral mud > MB624 - Faunal communities on full salinity Atlantic infralittoral mud > MB6241 - Nephtys hombergii andLimecola balthica in Atlantic infralittoral sandy mud

Nephtys hombergii andLimecola balthica in Atlantic infralittoral sandy mud

Description (English)

Near-shore shallow sandy muds and muds, and sometimes mixed sediments, may be characterised by the presence of the polychaete Nephtys hombergii and the bivalve Limecola balthica (Macoma balthica). Abra alba, and Nucula nitidosa may also be important although they may not necessarily occur simultaneously or in high numbers. Other taxa include Spiophanes bombyx, Lagis koreni, and Echinocardium cordatum. In some areas Scoloplos armiger and Crangon crangon may also be present. The community appears to be quite stable (Dewarumez et al. 1992) and the substratum is typically rich in organic content. This community has been included in the 'Boreal Offshore Muddy Sand Association' of Jones (1950) and is also described by several other authors (Petersen 1918; Cabioch & Gla

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB6241
Relation to	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Large shallow inlets and bays	1160	Overlap	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Abra alba

Invertebrates Crangon crangon

Invertebrates Echinocardium cordatum

Invertebrates Nephtys hombergii

Invertebrates Nucula nitidosa

Invertebrates Scoloplos armiger

Invertebrates Spiophanes bombyx

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Abra alba		Invertebrates
Crangon crangon		Invertebrates
Echinocardium cordatum		Invertebrates
Nephtys hombergii		Invertebrates
Nucula nitidosa		Invertebrates
Scoloplos armiger		Invertebrates
Spiophanes bombyx		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.331	Nephtys hombergii and Macoma balthica in infralittoral sandy mud	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.331	Nephtys hombergii and Macoma balthica in infralittoral sandy mud	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A4.253	Nephtys hombergii and Macoma balthica in infralittoral muddy sand or sandy mud	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A4.253	Macoma balthica and Abra alba in infralittoral muddy sand or mud	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A4.263	Macoma balthica and Abra alba in infralittoral muddy sand or mud	same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland)	IMS.FaMS.MacAbr	Macoma balthica and Abra alba in infralittoral muddy sand or mud	same

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