Ceriantharia

Characteristics

Cerianthids are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body, which is divided into two distinct regions: the oral disc and the column. The oral disc is located at the top of the body and contains a central mouth surrounded by numerous tentacles. These tentacles are arranged in two distinct whorls: a ring of short, thick tentacles called capitular tentacles and a ring of long, thin tentacles called oral tentacles. The column, which is the main body of the cerianthid, is typically buried in sediment or sand, with only the oral disc and tentacles protruding.

Cerianthids are unique among anthozoans in their ability to revert to a polyp stage even after reaching sexual maturity. This remarkable adaptation allows them to survive in a variety of environmental conditions and to quickly recover from disturbances.

Environments

Cerianthids are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:

• Intertidal zones: Some species inhabit the shallow waters of the intertidal zone, where they are exposed to fluctuating tides and salinity levels.
• Subtidal zones: Cerianthids are also common in subtidal zones, where they live on soft sediments and seagrass beds.
• Deep sea: Several species are found in the deep sea, where they thrive in cold, dark, and high-pressure environments.

Feeding

Cerianthids are carnivores, relying on a variety of small invertebrates and crustaceans for their food. They capture prey using their tentacles, which are covered in stinging nematocysts. The nematocysts release toxins that paralyze the prey, allowing the cerianthid to draw it into its mouth.

References

For further information on Ceriantharia, please consult the following sources:

• Wikipedia
• WoRMS
• ResearchGate