nematocysts
Cnidarian stinging cells
Nematocysts are the stinging cells found in jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and other cnidarians.
Each contains a coiled, barbed thread that fires on contact, injecting venom into prey or predators.
A single jellyfish tentacle may contain thousands of nematocysts.
The sting you feel from a jellyfish comes from these microscopic harpoons discharging into your skin.
Drifting marine stinger
- hydraFreshwater cnidarian polyp
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- tentaclesFlexible grasping appendages
- polypFleshy membrane projection
medusa · anemone · scyphozoa · anthozoa · hydrozoa · cnidaria
Injected animal poison
- stingSharp wound from insect
- painBodily or emotional distress
- neurotoxinPoison attacking neural tissue
- cytotoxinAgent destroying cells
hemotoxin · injection · toxicity · burning · irritation · welts · swelling · inflammation
Release of substance outward
- eversionTurning inside out
- barbBackward-pointing spike
- tubuleMinute cylindrical duct
- operculumAnatomical lid structure
trigger · stylet · capsule · penetration · coiling · shaft · spine · thread
Hunting and consuming prey
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
- protectionGuarding against harm
- captureTake into custody
- preyAnimal being hunted
immobilization · paralysis · subduing · feeding · antipredator · survival · hunting · adaptation
jellyfish
Drifting marine stinger
polyp · medusa · anemone · scyphozoa · anthozoa · hydrozoa · cnidaria
venom
Injected animal poison
- stingSharp wound from insect
- painBodily or emotional distress
- neurotoxinPoison attacking neural tissue
cytotoxin · hemotoxin · injection · toxicity · burning · irritation · welts · swelling · inflammation · urticaria
discharge
Release of substance outward
operculum · trigger · stylet · capsule · penetration · coiling · shaft · spine · thread · filament
predation
Hunting and consuming prey
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
- protectionGuarding against harm
- captureTake into custody
prey · immobilization · paralysis · subduing · feeding · antipredator · survival · hunting · adaptation · warning
nematocystsshells
Protective outer layers
carapace · exoskeleton · armor plating · camouflage · ink sacs
nematocystsfilter feeding
Extracting nutrients from water
absorption · cilia · baleen · tube feet · photosynthesis