Nematocysts??

[COreefer]

Do anemones release nematocysts into the water column??? I have been under the impression that anemones have to come in direct contact with organisms for nematocysts to affect the organism...What is the verdict on this?

 

[Juck]

Activation/loss of nematocysts costs precious energy,, I don't know of any anemone that arbitrarily throws them off without direct contact with potential prey.

 

[boyooso]

So, does the anomone have to 'decide' to sting something?

I've read that anomones "CAN' sting you. I've always wondered what the "CAN" means.

 

[Juck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7636105#post7636105 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boyooso
So, does the anomone have to 'decide' to sting something?

It's all stimulus-response,,,, when something touches the tentacles, the nematocysts fire,,,, there's no decision process with an animal that doesn't have a brain.

 

[dantodd]

Anemones can attack other inverts such as corals in a tank without ever coming into direct contact with them. Look up allelopathy here for more information about chemical warfare among cnidarians.

 

[boyooso]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7636929#post7636929 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Juck
It's all stimulus-response,,,, when something touches the tentacles, the nematocysts fire,,,, there's no decision process with an animal that doesn't have a brain.

I realize it didn't think about it and then sting, but does any and all stimulation cause a response? do certain types of touches not encourage the anemone to sting?

I always wonder what the 'can sting' means, why don't be people say 'does sting'

anyways....

 

[COreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7638844#post7638844 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dantodd
Anemones can attack other inverts such as corals in a tank without ever coming into direct contact with them. Look up allelopathy here for more information about chemical warfare among cnidarians.

Not much info regarding this, but what I did find was in regards to soft corals. Is this the case? Softies and anemones don't mix well in the same tank? Also could an anemone on the opposite side of the tank have an effect on clams and sps?

 

[Amphiprion]

I am not sure where to find any scientific information regarding it, but there is quite a bit of evidence (albeit anecdotal). Many people have difficulty in some situations adding another anemone into a tank which is already inhabited by one. They will often shrivel and the general "failure to thrive" syndrome sets in. Also, they seem to be quite adept at finding each other in tanks (especially aggressive species), so there is some stimulus via the water. Animals down current from an anemone will often experience stings, etc., so something must be causing it. You are correct in saying that tremendous energy goes into nematocyst production and firing, but what is to say that these animals (due to their aggressive nature, as with many reef animals) don't utilize much of it for this purpose? It is commonly known that many corals will compete with others, often to their own detriment, but they still do so in an effort to get the most precious commodity on the reef--space. Space means everything for these animals.