Phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterata)

1. Introduction

Phylum Cnidaria, also known as Coelenterata, includes simple, diploblastic, radially

symmetrical, aquatic animals. The name “Cnidaria” is derived from the Greek word
“cnidos”, meaning stinging nettle, referring to the presence of specialized stinging cells
called cnidocytes that contain nematocysts (stinging organelles).

These animals are exclusively aquatic, mostly marine, and exist either as sessile polyps
or free-swimming medusae. They show a distinct tissue level of organization and are
among the earliest multicellular organisms with true tissues and a simple nervous system.

2. General Characteristics
Feature Description

Level of organization Tissue level

Diploblastic – two layers: ectoderm (epidermis) and

Germ layers endoderm (gastrodermis) separated by mesoglea (a non-
cellular jelly-like layer)

Symmetry Radial symmetry

Sac-like; body wall encloses a single internal cavity called

Body plan
gastrovascular cavity (coelenteron)

Two main types: Polyp (sessile, cylindrical, e.g., Hydra) and

Body forms
Medusa (free-swimming, umbrella-shaped, e.g., Aurelia)

May be absent or in the form of a chitinous or calcareous

Skeleton
exoskeleton (e.g., coral)

Extracellular in gastrovascular cavity followed by

Digestion
intracellular digestion in gastrodermal cells

Circulatory, respiratory,
Absent; exchange occurs by diffusion
and excretory systems

Nervous system Primitive nerve net without a central brain

 Feature Description

Both asexual (budding, fission) and sexual; most exhibit

Reproduction alternation of generations (metagenesis) between polyp and
medusa

Larval stage Planula larva (ciliated and free-swimming)

Habitat Mostly marine; a few freshwater (e.g., Hydra)

Examples Hydra, Obelia, Aurelia, Physalia, Corallium, Metridium

3. Special / Distinguishing Characteristics

1. Cnidocytes (Nematocysts):
o Unique stinging cells found in the epidermis, mainly on tentacles.
o Contain nematocysts—capsules with a coiled thread that can inject toxins
into prey or predators.
o Used for defense, prey capture, and attachment.
2. Dimorphic Body Forms:
o Exhibit two morphological forms:
 Polyp: Cylindrical, attached, mouth upward (e.g., Hydra).
 Medusa: Umbrella-shaped, free-swimming, mouth downward
(e.g., Aurelia).
3. Metagenesis (Alternation of Generations):
o Alternation between asexual polyp and sexual medusa forms (e.g.,
Obelia).
o Polyp produces medusae asexually; medusae produce gametes sexually.
4. Nerve Net:
o Simplest nervous organization in animals.
o Consists of interconnected nerve cells forming a diffuse net; coordinates
movements and tentacle contractions.
5. Gastrovascular Cavity (Coelenteron):
o Serves both digestive and circulatory functions.
o Has a single opening (mouth) serving as both mouth and anus.
6. Colonial and Solitary Forms:
o Some are solitary (Hydra), others form colonies (Obelia, Physalia).
4. Classification of Phylum Cnidaria (Up to Class Level)

Phylum Cnidaria is divided into three major classes (traditionally four or more in some
systems):

Class 1. Hydrozoa

Characteristics:

 Both polyp and medusa stages present (polyp dominant).

 Medusa usually with velum (a shelf-like structure).
 Gastrodermal gonads.
 Mostly colonial; some solitary (Hydra).
 Mesoglea non-cellular (without amoebocytes).
 Examples:
o Hydra – freshwater, solitary polyp.
o Obelia – colonial form showing alternation of generations.
o Physalia (Portuguese man-of-war) – colonial, floating polymorphic form.
o Tubularia, Pennaria.

Class 2. Scyphozoa (True Jellyfishes)

Characteristics:

 Medusa form dominant; polyp stage reduced or absent.

 Medusa lacks velum.
 Gastrodermal gonads.
 Thick mesoglea with amoeboid cells.
 Marine, free-swimming forms.
 Examples:
o Aurelia aurita (common jellyfish).
o Rhizostoma, Cyanea.

Class 3. Anthozoa (Corals and Sea Anemones)

Characteristics:

 Only polyp stage present; medusa absent.

 All marine, mostly sessile.
 Mouth leads into a tubular pharynx and then into a gastrovascular cavity divided
by septa (mesenteries).
 Reproduce both sexually and asexually.
 May be solitary or colonial.
 Many secrete calcium carbonate skeletons → coral reefs.
 Examples:
o Metridium (sea anemone)
 o Corallium rubrum (red coral)
o Gorgonia (sea fan)
o Madrepora (stony coral)
o Fungia (mushroom coral)

Class 4. Cubozoa (Box Jellyfish)

Characteristics:

 Medusa dominant, cube-shaped.

 Four tentacles or clusters of tentacles at corners.
 Complex eyes on bell margin.
 Highly venomous.
 Examples:
o Chironex fleckeri (sea wasp), Carybdea.

(Some texts include a fifth class, Staurozoa, containing sessile medusae such as
Lucernaria.)

5. Importance of Cnidarians

A. Ecological Importance

1. Coral Reef Formation:

o Reef-building corals (Anthozoa) form massive calcium carbonate reefs,
which support vast marine biodiversity.
2. Habitat Creation:
o Coral reefs provide habitat, food, and shelter for thousands of species.
3. Symbiotic Relationships:
o Many corals harbor zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) that aid in nutrient
cycling and reef productivity.
4. Food Chain:
o Medusae and polyps serve as food for fish, turtles, and other marine
animals.

B. Economic Importance

1. Coral Jewelry and Ornaments:

o Corallium rubrum (red coral) used in jewelry.
2. Tourism:
o Coral reefs are major tourist attractions.
3. Biomedical Research:
o Nematocyst toxins studied for painkillers and anticancer properties.
4. Ecological Indicators:
o Coral health reflects ocean conditions and climate change effects.
C. Harmful Aspects

1. Stings:
Some species like Physalia and Chironex cause painful or fatal stings to
o
humans.
2. Coral Bleaching:
o Environmental stress causes loss of zooxanthellae, damaging reefs.

6. Examples Summary
Class Representative Species Common Name / Notable Feature

Freshwater polyp, colonial hydroid,

Hydrozoa Hydra, Obelia, Physalia
Portuguese man-of-war

Scyphozoa Aurelia aurita Common jellyfish

Cubozoa Chironex fleckeri Box jellyfish (very venomous)

Metridium, Corallium, Gorgonia, Sea anemone, red coral, sea fan, stony
Anthozoa
Madrepora coral

7. Summary Table of Key Differences

Feature Hydrozoa Scyphozoa Cubozoa Anthozoa

Dominant Form Polyp Medusa Medusa Polyp

Velum Present Absent Present Absent

Gonads Epidermal Gastrodermal Gastrodermal Gastrodermal

Example Hydra, Obelia Aurelia Carybdea Metridium, Corallium

8. Summary

Phylum Cnidaria represents an early stage in animal evolution where multicellularity led
to tissue specialization, nervous coordination, and predatory adaptations like
nematocysts. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as reef builders, predators,
and contributors to biodiversity.