Fieldtrips and Fieldtrip Classes

Phylum Cnidaria

Cnidarians are radially symmetrical and have a tissue level of organization, allowing them to swim, engulf food, and respond to external stimuli. Cnidarians come in two basics body plans: medusa and polyp. A polyp is a sac-like attached form, and a medusa is a bell-shaped swimming form. Cnidarians have a blind gut, with a mouth surrounded by tentacles. They capture small prey by discharging their nematocysts, unique stinging structures found on the tentacles.

Click on the links below to learn more about different classes of Cnidarians that are found in the intertidal of the Gulf of California. To go back to the Gallery of Marine Life, click here.

To take a practice quiz on the Phylum Cnidaria, click here.