a and c, with thread protruded; b, with cell retracted
Fig. 92.—Diagrammatic transverse section of an Anemone
S, stomach; bc, body-cavity; m′, m″, m‴, primary, secondary, and tertiary mesenteries
Fig. 93.—Larva of Anemone
On the surface of the mesenteries of the anemone may be seen the ovaries or egg-producing organs. These discharge the ova into the general body-cavity, after which they are ejected through the mouth. The embryos are minute jelly-like creatures that have an active existence, swimming about freely in the ocean by means of vibrating cilia, but after this period of activity they settle down and fix themselves, gradually assuming the adult form common to the species.
The habits of sea anemones are particularly interesting, and it will well repay anyone to make a study of these animals in their natural haunts as well as in the aquarium. The gentle swinging of the tentacles when searching for food, the capture and disposal of the prey, the peculiar modes of locomotion, and the development of the young, are among the chief points of interest. As regards locomotion, the usual method of moving from place to place is by an exceedingly slow gliding of the base or ‘foot’; and while some anemones are almost constantly on the move, others hardly ever stir from the secluded niche in which they have taken up their abode.