Sagartiogeton laceratus is a small slender species up to 6 cm tall on expansion. The pillar-like column is wrinkled on contraction, smooth on expansion and flares out to the perfectly circular disc which has a diameter of up to 3 cm. The long graceful tentacles number up to 200 in total and are arranged irregularilly within 4-5 cycles. Each tentacle tapers to a fine point, are transluscent pale grey and possess 3 diffuse or white bands at the base, middle and tip (Manuel, 1988). At the base of each tentacle runs a pale v-shaped stripe, standing out from the brighter, darker orange markings of the disc. The column is a pale orange colour becoming pale buff-grey at the expanded base. The column also possess 12 cream verticle stripes, and numerous small dark spots (cinclides) in an irregular ring arrangement towards the distal end, just bellow the margin. A loose covering of mucus and sediment may also be present at the lower part of the column. There are no suckers present on this species.Sagartiogeton laceratus reproduces asexually by constant pedal laceration (hence its name). A part of the base is lacerated to form a new individual, thus explaining the irregular shape of the base and irregular arrangement of tentacles and cinclides. The acontia (long stinging threads) are less readilly emitted from the cinclides than in other Sagartiid species. Sagartiogeton laceratus may be mistaken with Sagartiogeton undulatus, the former being smaller in size, brighter in colour with irregular, untidy tentacles that have no dark line running down them. Sagartiogeton laceratus can tolerate salinities up to 53.84 ppm (Stephenson, 1935).

In general form and pattern this sea anemone is similar to Sagartiogeton undatus. 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 Sagartiogeton undatus, usually with orange on the disc and more sharply defined pattern with dark markings at base of tentacles. Similar to some varieties of Sagartia elegans but never has suckers on the column. Also similar to Sagartiogeton undatus.

Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, East North Atlantic, European waters (ERMS scope), Irish Exclusive economic Zone, North East Atlantic, Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone, Spanish Exclusive Economic Zone, Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone, United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone, Wimereux

Frequent on all coasts of Britain and western Europe.

coastal to shelf

Depth range based on 1 specimen in 1 taxon.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 25 - 25
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Depth range based on 48 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 6 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 50
  Temperature range (°C): 11.721 - 12.348
  Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 7.121
  Salinity (PPS): 35.184 - 35.363
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.069 - 6.174
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.351 - 0.439
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.489 - 3.285

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 50

Temperature range (°C): 11.721 - 12.348

Nitrate (umol/L): 4.729 - 7.121

Salinity (PPS): 35.184 - 35.363

Oxygen (ml/l): 6.069 - 6.174

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.351 - 0.439

Silicate (umol/l): 2.489 - 3.285
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

 Sagartiogeton laceratus is a sublittoral species recorded to 100m deep and often found in more sheltered locations. It may occur in small groups formed from one individual due to its basal laceration. This species can be found attached to shells (Turritella spp.), worm tubes or stones, and occasionally buried partially in sand or mud.

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.