Hediste diversicolor and Streblospio shrubsolii in Atlantic littoral sandy mud

Mud and sandy mud shores in sheltered marine inlets and estuaries subject to variable or reduced salinity. The biotope is typically found on the mid and lower shores and is often associated with shallow layers of cobbles and pebbles in the sediment in the upper and mid estuary. The sediment is anoxic close to the surface and remains water saturated during low tide. The infaunal polychaete community is dominated by dense Hediste diversicolor, as well as species with a limited salinity range tolerance such as Streblospio shrubsolii and Manayunkia aestuarina. Oligochaetes, including Heterochaeta costata and Tubificoides benedii are often abundant, and the amphipod Corophium volutator is often common.$$$Situation: This unit may occur on the same shores as MA6-225, MA6-224, MA6-226 or MA6-2272. Higher up on the shore, and/or further towards the head of the estuary, MA6-2273 may occur, changing to Tben at the upper extreme of the estuary.$$$Temporal variation: Enteromorpha spp. or Ulva lactuca may form mats on the surface of the sediment during the summer months, particularly in areas of freshwater influence and/or where there is nutrient enrichment.

Código Eunis 2021: MA62271