Anthozoa

The class Anthozoa is a group of marine animals within the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish and hydras. Anthozoans, such as corals and sea anemones, are distinguished by their polyp body form, which is a stalk-like structure with a mouth and tentacles at the top. Unlike other cnidarians, anthozoans do not have a medusa (jellyfish) stage in their life cycle.123

These animals are characterized by radial symmetry and possess stinging cells called nematocysts. Many anthozoans, particularly corals, secrete skeletons that form the basis of coral reefs. They are found in all oceans and are most abundant in tropical waters. Anthozoans reproduce both sexually and asexually.21456