coelenterates – a group of aquatic invertebrates with a single body opening (works as mouth and anus) and typically tentacles

(Pronounced see-len-tuh-rate)

Note: The best known example of a coelenterate is a jellyfish. 

To remember the meaning of coelenterates, use the following mnemonic:

The seal entered the water and ate (coelenterate) all the jellyfish in the aquarium (aquatic). 

Note: Coelenterates are also known as cnidarians.

Note: Coe in the word coelenterates is pronounced as see because in translating the word from the Greek root English phonics conventions dictated that a 'c' should sound as an s when followed by a vowel. This is similar to words like ceramic. 

Coelenterates are a phylum (see taxonomy) of simple aquatic animals that include jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. They are characterised by having soft bodies with a single opening that serves as both a mouth and anus surrounded by tentacles armed with stingers used to capture prey and defend against predators.

Most coelenterates are carnivorous, using their stinging tentacles to paralyze small prey such as fish, plankton and other marine organisms, which are pushed into the central cavity for digestion. Some species like corals have symbiotic relationships with algae that provide them with additional nutrients through photosynthesis.