Cnidarians
As the name suggests, this coral is extremely irritating. The slightest contact causes a rash that may last for several weeks.
As its name suggests, this species is extremely stinging. The sting is painful for several days.
The word cnidarian derives from the ancient Greek knide: nettle, because all members of the family are more or less stinging. We find there:
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jellyfish,
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sea-anemones and cerianthes,
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corals.
They all have cells that inject venom to dissuade their attackers. Depending on the species, this venom can be ineffective on humans, it can cause a mild or severe itching, and in extreme cases (these species are fortunately rare) it can be fatal.
They live isolated (anemones, jellyfish) or in colonies like the hydroids or the corals which are the builders of the reefs.
