Dart formation in nematocysts of the sea anemone Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761) (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)

Abstract

In examining large acontia b-mastigophore and p-amastigophore nematocysts of the sea anemone Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761) darts were observed by interference-contrast light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The darts consist of closely packed spines detached from the shafts, still in three helical rows. Their spines form a hollow cylinder with a sharp tip and indented base, its width similar to that of an undischarged shaft but varying in length. b-mastigophore darts were more common than those of p-mastigophores and many were longer.

Keywords

• nematocysts
• cnidae
• sea anemones
• darts
• sem