Actinozoa Page

: 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.

Historically, Actinozoa was divided into two main groups based on their symmetry and tentacle count: actinozoa

: Includes soft corals, sea pens, and sea fans. They strictly possess eight branched (pinnate) tentacles and eight mesenteries. Ecological Importance : The body consists of a central gastrovascular

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