The round disc is 3 to 5mm, and has a scale covering with D-shaped radial plates.

Amphipholis squamata is found in all parts of the British Isles and also in Ireland.

It has been recorded in many other parts of the world, including France[7],New Zealand and other places, with one conference paper referring to it as a cosmopolitan species.

[8] Molecular studies have shown that there are multiple species in this complex.

[2][9] This brittle star lives in the intertidal zone in shallow water, and can be found under large stones, shells, and around sessile invertebrates such as bryozoans.