Habitats of Molluscs: Muddy  Shores, Estuaries and Tidal Rivers

Common species frequently associated with mixed shores in Britain.

Muddy shore

Tidal river

The fauna of these habitats depends upon tidal flow, salinity, substrate etc. However the species found are usually drawn from the following:–

Bivalves: Mytilus edulis, Ostrea edulis and other oyster species, Cerastoderma edule, Abra tenuis, Scobicularia plana, Macoma balthica, Tapes decussatus, Mya arenaria

Gastropods: Littorina littorea, Littorina saxatilis, Littorina obtusata, Peringia ulvae, Crepidula fornicata (S. to E.)

Sea slugs: Retusa obtusa, Aelidiella alderi (S. & W.)

Chitons: Lepidochitona cinereus

On muddy substrates which receive less brackish water influence, the fauna may change to contain elements from the sandy shore and gravel / mud shores in addition to the above.