EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB6 - Infralittoral mud > MB62 - Atlantic infralittoral mud > MB626 - Faunal communities on low or reduced salinity Atlantic infralittoral mud

Faunal communities on low or reduced salinity Atlantic infralittoral mud

Description (English)

Shallow, typically anoxic, muddy and sandy mud sediments in areas of low or reduced, although stable, salinity (may vary annually) with largely ephemeral faunal communities. Characterised by Arenicola marina and blue-green algae with other species, including mysids, Carcinus maenas and Corophium volutator which commonly occur in lagoons. Important infaunal species may include Hediste diversicolor, Heterochaeta costata and chironomids; however infaunal records for this biotope are limited.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB626
Relation to	Annex I habitat types (EU Habitats Directive)

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
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Estuaries	1130	Overlap	http://ec.europa.eu/environm...rective/index_en.htm
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Large shallow inlets and bays	1160	Overlap

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Arenicola marina

Invertebrates Carcinus maenas

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

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.31	Sublittoral mud in low or reduced salinity	narrower

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.31	Sublittoral mud in low or reduced salinity (lagoons)	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A4.32	Variable or reduced salinity sublittoral muds	wider
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A4.32	Variable or reduced salinity sublittoral muds	wider
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A4.32	Variable or reduced salinity non-mobile sublittoral muds	wider
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	A4.32	Estuarine sublittoral muds	wider
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland)	IMU.EstMu	Estuarine sublittoral muds	wider

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