

Cnidarians
Cnidarian Videos
Animation
Behavior
General Info
Role in Ecosystem
Climate
Human Interaction
Paleontology
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Lesson Plan
Cnidarian AdaptationsStudents explore the origins of muscles, nerves, and animal adaptions through of study of the fascinating phylum Cnidaria.Full Lesson Plan
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Factsheet
Cnidarians: The Polyp and MedusaScientists think that cnidarians were the first animals to have muscles and nerves to produce behavior.Download Factsheet
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Reading
Cnidarians: The Polyp and Medusa, Life on the MoveMillions of years ago, unlikely pioneers sparked a revolution. Cnidarians set animal life in motion. So much of what we take for granted today began with Cnidarians.Download Reading
Features
Creature
Chrysaora - The Pacific sea nettle
One of the most popular and most photographed exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the beautiful mesmerizing ballet of sea nettles. The Pacific sea nettle, Chrysaora fuscescens, lives in coastal waters from Alaska to California, to Japan, Kamchatka, the Aleutian Islands, and the Bering Sea. With their long, trailing tentacles these jellies are large: their bells are about 17.7 inches (45 cm) in diameter, mouth-arms from 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.6 m) long. The frilly mouth-arms and tentacles are covered with stinging cells, called nematocysts.
Chrysaora - The Pacific sea nettle
One of the most popular and most photographed exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the beautiful mesmerizing ballet of sea nettles. The Pacific sea nettle, Chrysaora fuscescens, lives in coastal waters from Alaska to California, to Japan, Kamchatka, the Aleutian Islands, and the Bering Sea. With their long, trailing tentacles these jellies are large: their bells are about 17.7 inches (45 cm) in diameter, mouth-arms from 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.6 m) long. The frilly mouth-arms and tentacles are covered with stinging cells, called nematocysts.

Did You Know?
New Coral Reef Outsmarts Climate Change
GOOD NEWS! Scientists discovered a new coral reef that’s in pristine condition.The reef, off Tahiti, appears to be untouched by climate change. The reef sprawls approximately two miles and 30 meters (about 100 feet) to 65 meters in depth.
New Coral Reef Outsmarts Climate Change
GOOD NEWS! Scientists discovered a new coral reef that’s in pristine condition.The reef, off Tahiti, appears to be untouched by climate change. The reef sprawls approximately two miles and 30 meters (about 100 feet) to 65 meters in depth.

Shape of Life Blog
Hope For Coral Reefs
Worldwide coral reefs are suffering from the impacts of climate change. Around the world researchers are pioneering ways to protect and restore coral reefs that have already bleached. Between these efforts and the amazing capacity for corals to adapt to healthier environments, there seems to be some hope. Corals can be attached to reefs piece by piece with cement, zip ties, and nails. (Photo: Reef Resilience Network)
Hope For Coral Reefs
Worldwide coral reefs are suffering from the impacts of climate change. Around the world researchers are pioneering ways to protect and restore coral reefs that have already bleached. Between these efforts and the amazing capacity for corals to adapt to healthier environments, there seems to be some hope. Corals can be attached to reefs piece by piece with cement, zip ties, and nails. (Photo: Reef Resilience Network)
