MA6-226 - Nephtys hombergii et Streblospio shrubsolii dans de la vase médiolittorale en Atlantique

Nephtys hombergii and Streblospio shrubsolii in Atlantic littoral mud

Classification des habitats EUNIS 2022

Descriptif de l'habitat

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 MA6-22 biotopes, MA6-2272 or MA6-2271. Higher up on the shore, and/or further towards the head of the estuary, MA6-2273 may occur, changing to MA6-228 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.

Bibliography

European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity 2022. EUNIS marine habitat classification 2022 including crosswalks. Table Excel. (Source)