Infralittoral fine mud
Description (English)
Shallow sublittoral muds, extending from the extreme lower shore to about 15-20 m depth in fully marine or near marine conditions, predominantly in extremely sheltered areas with very weak tidal currents. Such habitats are found in sealochs and some rias and harbours. Populations of the lugworm Arenicola marina may be dense, with anemones, the opisthobranch Philine aperta and synaptid holothurians also characteristic in some areas. The extent of the oxidised layer may be shallow with some areas being periodically or permanently anoxic. In these areas bacterial mats may develop on the sediment surface. Infaunal records for this habitat type are limited encompassing only one biotope. They are therefore not representative of the full suite of infaunal species found in this biotope.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.34 |
|---|---|
| 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
Arenicola marina
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Arenicola marina | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SMu.IFiMu | Infralittoral fine mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.34 | Infralittoral fine mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A4.31 | Shallow fully marine mud communities | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A4.31 | Shallow fully marine mud communities | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A4.31 | Shallow marine mud communities | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 | A4.31 | Shallow marine mud communities | wider |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | IMU.MarMu | Shallow marine mud communities | wider |
