How do cnidarians feed

This section of San Pedro aquarium (Cabrillo Marine aquarium) discusses how cnidarians feed. Cnidarians feed using stinging cells.

These microscopic batteries of cells on the tentacles of cnidarians are spring loaded to discharge when touched or chemically stimulated by the presence of food.

How do cnidarians feed? The cnidarian diagram above and below show how cnidarians feed.

Cnidarian diagram explaining how cnidarians feed

• From the cnidarian diagram above, number 1 shows a stinging cell consisting of a capsule containing a tube.
• From the cnidarian diagram above, number 2 shows that upon stimulation the tube fires to the outside by turning inside out.
• From the cnidarian diagram above, number 3 shows the fully everted tube entangles its prey or injects a paralyzing toxin.

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