Cnidogenesis in the jewel anemone Corynactis californica (Carlgren, 1936) and C. viridis (Allman, 1846) (Anthozoa: Corallimorpharia)

Precursor stages of large holotrichs in the mesenterial filaments of Corynactis californica and C.viridis have been visualised by simple methods using stained whole-mount preparations. Samples were taken from mesenterial filaments emitted during aggressive behaviour (which is reported for the first time in C. viridis). Results suggest that in natural conditions localised stimuli may provoke discharge along short stretches of mesenterial filament, followed by localised recruitment within these depleted areas.