Cnidarians
 
Cnidarians, which are sometimes called "coelenterates", include corals, anemones and jellyfish. All of these creatures have stinging cells in their tentacles, which they use for defense, and for the capture of prey. Coral reefs, which are restricted pretty much to the tropical areas of the world's oceans, are havens of biodiversity, and for that reason are sometimes called the "rain forests" of the sea.
KNOWN SPECIES:
Approximately 10,000

SIZE RANGE:  Less than 1 millimeter to over 30 meters

WHERE THEY LIVE:  In oceans; A few in fresh waters

 

CHARACTERISTICS: animals without a backbone; have stinging cells in their tentacles, which they use for defense and to capture prey

ECOLOGICAL ROLES
AND HUMAN USES:

Predators, filter feeders • Reef builders • Early indicators of environmental change • Humans use cnidarians in commerce and medicine, for food, and as building materials

Source: American Museum Of Natural History
Anemones
 

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Anemone

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Fish Eating Anemone

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Symbionts In Sea Hunt

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He's Smiling At You!

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Strawberry Anemone

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Anemone & Clown Fish "Nemo" In Sea Hunt Exhibit

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Giant Green Anemone (Anthopleua Xanthogrammica)

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Corals
 

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Live Coral Tank

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Live Coral - Brain, Finger, Stag Horn, and Gorgonians

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Gorgonians

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Soft & Hard Corals

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Elk Horn & Stag Horn Corals

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Live Coral Tank Under Ultraviolet Light - The Zoozantheli Algae Inside The Coral Glows

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Sea Jellies
 

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Sea Jellies - Sea Hunt Exhibit

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Sea Jellies

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Comb Jellies

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Sea Jellies - Medusa Form - Sea Hunt Exhibit

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Sea Jellies - Medusas

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Actual Photo Taken At The Florida Aquarium


They Grow Algae For Food

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Actual Photo Taken At The Florida Aquarium

Upside Down Sea Jellies - Bays Exhibit

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Thanks To Our Contributors On This Page: Tim McGuinness • Mike McCarthy
Florida Aquarium - Get In Deep

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