: While sea anemones are typically solitary, many Actinozoans (like reef-building corals) form massive colonies of interconnected clones. Classification
: Includes soft corals, sea pens, and sea fans. They strictly possess eight branched (pinnate) tentacles and eight mesenteries. Ecological Importance actinozoa
Historically, Actinozoa was divided into two main groups based on their symmetry and tentacle count: : While sea anemones are typically solitary, many
The name Actinozoa stems from the Greek words aktis (ray) and zoon (animal), referring to their radial symmetry and the "ray-like" appearance of their tentacles. actinozoa
: The body consists of a central gastrovascular cavity divided by vertical partitions called mesenteries or septa. These mesenteries increase the surface area for digestion and support the gonads.