Ophiura sarsii (Lütken, 1855)

Habitat Soft sediments to about 2000 m. Lives on the surface of sand or muddy sand, occasionally burrowing shallowly. Moves rapidly on being disturbed, by a swimming action. Color From dull grey-brown to sandy-orange. Ecology Ophiurids are known to be important ecosystem engineers, reshaping the sediment surface and influencing the distribution of other benthic species. Feeding Deposit feeder. Distribution The species is circumpolar. At the Atlantic east coast it goes down as far as south Ireland, while at the west coast it occurs to 35 degrees. In the Pacific it is found as far south as Japan and California.