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Phylum Cnidaria

The Phylum Cnidaria is an exclusively aquatic phylum made up of 4 classes: Cubozoa, Anthozoa, Scyphozoa and Hydrozoa. Cnidaria is represented by polyps such as sea anemones and corals, and medusae such as jellyfish. A polypoid or medusoid cnidarian is a radially symmetrical, uncephalized animal with a single body opening, or mouth.

For more in depth information on Phylum Cnidaria visit: Cnidaria

Interesting Invertebrates:

• Japanese Spider Crab- The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is one of the world's most impressive arthropods. With a leg span of almost four feet on average, it has the longest span of any arthropod. It is very hard to look at one of these animals and picture the fact that they are completely boneless. Their hard exoskeleton gives them increased defense and protection from larger predators. The Japanese spider crab is the largest known species of crab and may live up to 100 years.  The Japanese name for this species is taka-ashi-gani literally translating to “tall legs crab.” For more detailed information on this interesting animal, please visit: Japanese spider crab.
• Lion's Mane Jellyfish-The Lion's mane jellyfish is the largest known type of jellyfish on our planet. With tentacles up to 190 feet long and a bell diameter of almost 7 feet wide, some individuals even rival in size the Blue whale, the largest animal in the world. These animals are usually found in cold northern Arctic waters and in the Northern portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This animal is part of the phylum Cnidaria and its scientific name is Cyanea capillata. More in depth information about this animal can be found at: Lion's mane jellyfish.
• Giant Squid: The Giant squid, Architeuthis dux, comes from the family Architeuthidae. These squid very well may be the largest known Cephalopod, the largest known Mollusca and, likely, the largest invertebrate ever known to exist. With an ability to reach a length of about 45-50 feet long, it is not difficult to see why they got their name. Another characteristic that makes Giant squid unique is that they have the largest eyes of any invertebrate. They developed these large eyes to be able to detect small amounts of Bioluminescence in the dark and deep ocean where they live. More can be found about the giant squid here: Giant squid.