EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MC6 - Circalittoral mud > MC62 - Atlantic circalittoral mud > MC621 - Faunal communities of Atlantic circalittoral mud > MC6217 - Burrowing megafauna and Maxmuelleria lankesteri in Atlantic circalittoral mud

Burrowing megafauna and Maxmuelleria lankesteri in Atlantic circalittoral mud

Description (English)

In circalittoral stable mud distinctive populations of megafauna may be found. These typically include Nephrops norvegicus, Calocaris macandreae and Callianassa subterranea. Large mounds formed by the echiuran Maxmuelleria lankesteri are also frequent in this biotope. The seapen Virgularia mirabilis may occur occasionally in this biotope but not in the same abundance as MC6-216 to which MC6-217 is closely allied. Infaunal species may include Nephtys hystricis, Chaetozone setosa, Amphiura chiajei and Abra alba.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MC6217
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 Callianassa subterranea

Invertebrates Chaetozone setosa

Invertebrates Nephrops norvegicus

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Abra alba		Invertebrates
Callianassa subterranea		Invertebrates
Chaetozone setosa		Invertebrates
Nephrops norvegicus		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.362	Burrowing megafauna and Maxmuelleria lankesteri in circalittoral mud	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type	Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.362	Burrowing megafauna and Maxmuelleria lankesteri in circalittoral mud	same

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