A
cnidocyte (also known as a
cnidoblast or
nematocyte) is an explosive cell containing one giant secretory organelle or
cnida (plural
cnidae) that defines the
phylum Cnidaria (
corals,
sea anemones,
hydrae,
jellyfish, etc.). Cnidae are used for prey capture and defense from predators. Despite being morphologically simple, lacking a skeleton and many species being
sessile, cnidarians prey on
fish and
crustaceans. A cnidocyte fires a structure that contains the
toxin, from a characteristic subcellular
organelle called a
cnidocyst (also known as a
cnida or
nematocyst). This is responsible for the stings delivered by a cnidarian.