Cnidaria (jellyfish, anemones and corals)
Cnidarians are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in various marine environments. The phylum Cnidaria includes a diverse group of marine animals known for their stinging cells called cnidocytes. Here are some key groups within this phylum:
Sea Anemones (Class Anthozoa)
- Characteristics: Polyp form, often attached to surfaces, with tentacles surrounding a central mouth.
- Habitat: Found in coastal waters, often attached to rocks, coral reefs, or other substrates.
- Examples: Giant green anemone (Anthopleura xanthogrammica), Beadlet anemone (Actinia equina).
Jellyfish (Class Scyphozoa)
- Characteristics: Gelatinous bodies, tentacles with stinging cells, and a bell-shaped structure.
- Habitat: Found in oceans worldwide, from surface waters to deep sea.
- Examples: Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita), Lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata).
Corals (Class Anthozoa)
- Characteristics: Colonial organisms that build calcium carbonate skeletons, forming coral reefs.
- Habitat: Warm, shallow waters, primarily in tropical regions.
- Examples: Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), Brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis).
Here are some more for you to explore
Hydroids (Class Hydrozoa)
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Box Jellyfish (Class Cubozoa)
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Sea Pens (Class Anthozoa)
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