The base of S. elegans is wider than the column and may reach 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. The base is usually anchored to the substrate but can be used as a foot for locomotion. It often has a ragged … See more

S. elegans is found in coastal areas of the northeast Atlantic Ocean from Scandinavia, Iceland and the North Sea south to the Mediterranean Sea. It is common round the coasts of the See more

S. elegans is found from the mid-shore down to a depth of about 50 metres. Its base is often in holes and cracks in the rock and it is also found under stones, beneath overhangs, in See more

S. elegans is an omnivore, scavenger and predator. Most of its nourishment comes from the ingestion of small invertebrates which are caught by the tentacles and thrust into the mouth. The undigested fragments are later expelled through the mouth. See more

Other organisms found in the same habitat include the breadcrumb sponge, Halichondria panicea and the soft coral, Alcyonium digitatum See more

Sponge gatherers in the Mediterranean Sea come in contact with these sea anemones as they collect sponges. This causes a burning and itching sensation followed by See more

• Photos of Sagartia elegans on Sealife Collection See more