Nephtys hombergii and Streblospio shrubsolii in littoral mud
Description (English)
Soft wet mud with a fine sand fraction, on the mid and lower shore of sheltered estuaries, usually with an anoxic layer present within the first 5 cm of the sediment. The infauna is relatively poor, dominated by the polychaetes Nephtys hombergii, Streblospio shrubsolii, and Aphelochaeta marioni. The oligochaete Tubificoides benedii is also characterising for this biotope, and Hediste diversicolor may be common.
Situation: This unit may occur on the same shores as the A2.31 biotopes, A2.3222 or A2.3221. Higher up on the shore, and/or further towards the head of the estuary, A2.3223 may occur, changing to A2.323 at the upper extreme of the estuary.
Temporal variation: Enteromorpha spp. and Ulva lactuca may form mats on the surface of the mud during the summer months, particularly in areas of nutrient enrichment.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A2.321 |
|---|---|
| Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A2.3) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Algae
Ulva lactuca
Invertebrates
Aphelochaeta marioni
Invertebrates
Nephtys hombergii
Invertebrates
Streblospio shrubsolii
Invertebrates
Tubificoides benedii
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Ulva lactuca | Algae | |
| Aphelochaeta marioni | Invertebrates | |
| Nephtys hombergii | Invertebrates | |
| Streblospio shrubsolii | Invertebrates | |
| Tubificoides benedii | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | LS.LMu.UEst.NhomStr | <I>Nephtys hombergii</I> and <I>Streblospio shrubsolii</I> in littoral mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 4.2.3. | Intertidal flats | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.321 | Nephtys hombergii and Streblospio shrubsolii in littoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A2.372 | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A2.372 | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A2.322 | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | LMU.Mu.HedStr | Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in sandy mud or soft mud shores | overlap |
