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Cnida discharge and the mechanism of venom delivery in Anemonia viridis (Cnidaria, Actiniaria)

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  • XIII. Nematocysts
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Abstract

Cnida discharge in the actinian Anemonia starts with the extrusion of the capsule from the cnidocyte followed by the eversion of the tubule. As the tubule everts, it maintains a tightly closed tip until fully everted. This is considered to be essential for a capsule to discharge as a result of an increase in intracapsular pressure. Venom volumes were measured in 3 types of nematocyst: 408 µm3, 98 µm3, and 9 µm3. Venom flow rates were estimated to range from >43 to 324 µm3 s−1. It is suggested that the intracapsular pressures required for these flow rates range from 9.7 × 105 to 1.9 x 106 Pa.

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  1. J. C. Thomason

    Present address: , 10 Alexandra St, Victoria Garesfield, NE39 2JB, Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear, UK

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK

    J. C. Thomason

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Thomason, J.C. Cnida discharge and the mechanism of venom delivery in Anemonia viridis (Cnidaria, Actiniaria). Hydrobiologia 216, 649–654 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00026526

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