Description: In general form and pattern this sea anemone is similar to Sagartia undata. The base is usually very irregular in outline due to reproduction by basal laceration. The column sometimes has a thin cuticle of hardened mucous. Size up to 30mm across base and 60mm high but usually much less. Coloration similar to, but usually brighter than Sagartia undata, usually with orange on the disc and more sharply defined pattern with dark markings at base of tentacles.

Habitat: Exclusively sublittoral. Usually on shells, worm tubes, or other organic substrates but also occasionally on stones or bedrock. Usually in small groups. Sometimes buried in mud or sand.

Distribution: Frequent on all coasts of Britain and western Europe.

Similar Species: Similar to some varieties of Sagartia elegans but never has suckers on the column. Also similar to Sagartia undata.

Key Identification Features:

• Irregular outline of base.
• Brighter colouration and smaller size.

Distribution Map from NBN: Sagartia lacerata at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Sagartia lacerata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Sagartia lacerata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Sagartia lacerata (Dalyell, 1848). AphiaID: 854806.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Cnidaria; Anthozoa; Hexacorallia; Actiniaria; Enthemonae; Metridioidea; Sagartiidae; Sagartia