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planula

zoology
Also known as: planulae
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Learn how non-mobile male and female corals reproduce by releasing gametes that form planulae
Learn how non-mobile male and female corals reproduce by releasing gametes that form planulaeLearn how coral spawn.
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planula, free-swimming or crawling larval type common in many species of the phylum Cnidaria (e.g., jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones). The planula body is more or less cylindrical or egg-shaped and bears numerous cilia (tiny hairlike projections), which are used for locomotion. Planulae are produced by the polyp form in sea anemones and other anthozoans and by the medusa form in most other cnidarians. See also polyp (zoology); medusa.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.