Class Anthozoa is a taxonomic class of marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. Anthozoa is derived from the Greek words "anthos," meaning flower, and "zoa," meaning animals, referring to their floral-like appearance. This diverse class includes a wide array of organisms commonly known as corals, sea anemones, and sea pens.
Anthozoans are exclusively marine and primarily sessile, meaning they are attached to a substrate or surface throughout their lives. They are characterized by their cylindrical or columnar body shape and their tentacles surrounding a central mouth. These tentacles are lined with specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain nematocysts that help the organisms capture prey and defend against predators.
Class Anthozoa comprises two main subclasses, Hexacorallia and Octocorallia, based on the number of tentacles and symmetry. Hexacorallia includes corals, sea anemones, and sea pens with six-fold symmetry, while Octocorallia, also known as soft corals and gorgonians, possess eight-fold symmetry.
Anthozoans play a vital ecological role in marine ecosystems. Corals, in particular, contribute to the formation of coral reefs, one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide critical habitats for numerous species, protect coastlines from erosion, and support tourism and fisheries industries.
However, this class is also vulnerable to various threats, including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing, which have led to the decline of coral reefs worldwide. Efforts are underway to conserve and protect these invaluable ecosystems to ensure the survival of Class Anthozoa and maintain the ecological balance of our oceans.
