The bougainvillid hydroid Clavopsella michaeli produces club-shaped female gonophores each bearing up to eight large eggs. These eggs are covered by a single layer of isolated cnidocytes in close contact with the oocyte membrane. These cnidocytes have fully‐developed microbasic eurytele cnidocysts always in a functional position, with the cnidocil apex pointed outwards. The cnidocysts constitute a defensive ≪stinging armor≫ protecting the large eggs.
The «stinging» egg of clavopsella michaeli (Berrill) (hydrozoa, cnidaria)
Stefano Piraino
1992
Abstract
The bougainvillid hydroid Clavopsella michaeli produces club-shaped female gonophores each bearing up to eight large eggs. These eggs are covered by a single layer of isolated cnidocytes in close contact with the oocyte membrane. These cnidocytes have fully‐developed microbasic eurytele cnidocysts always in a functional position, with the cnidocil apex pointed outwards. The cnidocysts constitute a defensive ≪stinging armor≫ protecting the large eggs.File in questo prodotto:
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