Polyp

Outer cell layer of a polyp that houses nematocysts and secretes mucus. Corals only have two major layers of tissue.

Inner cell layer of a polyp that houses zooxanthellae. Corals only have two major layers of tissue.

A type of asexual reproduction where a bud forms outside the parent polyp’s ring of tentacles, producing a smaller polyp.

A type of asexual reproduction where a bud forms from the parent polyp’s oral disk, producing same-sized polyps within the ring of tentacles.

(Singular: mesentery) Allow the stomach of a polyp to expand and also contain the reproductive cells.