Biodiversity & Conservation

Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Tubifex tubifex and Gammarus spp. in low salinity infralittoral muddy sediment

SS.SMu.SMuVS.LhofTtub

<i>%Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri%</i>, <i>%Tubifex tubifex%</i> and <i>Gammarus</i> spp. in low salinity infralittoral muddy sediment
Distribution map

SS.SMu.SMuVS.LhofTtub recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats

Text page icon Habitat description

Map icon Distribution of biotope in Britain and Ireland Recorded in upper estuary cohesive mud in the Forth, Thames, Usk and Wye estuaries.
National importance Not available

Text page icon Description of biotope

For a full description of this biotope including characterizing species, distribution, survey information and references visit JNCC

Upper estuary muddy sediments with very low fluctuating salinity, characterized by oligochaetes Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Tubifex tubifex. This biotope is found in the transitional zone between the freshwater and brackish environments where tidal currents are sufficiently reduced to allow the deposition of fine silt and the establishment of an infaunal community. The biotope contains elements of both freshwater and brackish communities and may be found adjacent to IGS.NeoGam (Neomysis integer and Gammarus spp. in low salinity infralittoral mobile sand), away from the stronger tidal streams. It is similar to IMU.Tub (Tubificoides spp. in reduced salinity infralittoral muddy sediment), although the latter lacks the freshwater element. (Information taken from the Marine Biotope Classification for Britain and Ireland, Version 97.06: Connor et al., 1997a, b).

Additional information icon Additional information

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This review can be cited as follows:

Budd, G.C. 2002. Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Tubifex tubifex and Gammarus spp. in low salinity infralittoral muddy sediment. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 18/06/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatsbasicinfo.php?habitatid=35&code=2004>