How do coelenterates eat their food?

Coelenterates are a phylum of aquatic animals that includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. They have a unique body plan that includes a digestive cavity called a gastrovascular cavity. This cavity is used for both digestion and circulation.

Coelenterates use their tentacles to capture their food. The tentacles are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts. These cells contain a tiny stinger that can inject a toxin into the prey. Once the prey is paralyzed, the coelenterate will use its tentacles to draw the prey into its mouth.

The mouth of a coelenterate leads to the gastrovascular cavity. This cavity is lined with digestive cells that secrete enzymes that break down the food. The food is then absorbed by the coelenterate's body walls.

Any undigested material is expelled through the coelenterate's mouth.

Coelenterates are not very efficient at digesting their food. They often lose a lot of food through their mouths. However, they are able to survive on a very small amount of food.