EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB6 - Infralittoral mud > MB62 - Atlantic infralittoral mud > MB624 - Faunal communities on full salinity Atlantic infralittoral mud > MB6248 - Arenicola marina in Atlantic infralittoral mud

Arenicola marina in Atlantic 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 MB6248
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 Arenicola marina

Invertebrates Asterias rubens

Invertebrates Carcinus maenas

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Arenicola marina		Invertebrates
Asterias rubens		Invertebrates
Carcinus maenas		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.342	Arenicola marina in infralittoral mud	same

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

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

Write to us

Call us

Sections