The structure of cnidosacs in nudibranch mollusc Aeolidia papillosa (Linnaeus, 1761) and presumable mechanism of nematocysts release

Abstract

The structure of cnidosacs in nudibranch mollusc Aeolidida papillosa (Linnaeus, 1761) before and after the discharging of kleptocnidae has been studied. In the apical zone of the cnidosac, the basal laminae of epidermis and gastrodermis are interrupted, and the muscle layers of the cnidosac and the epidermis are absent. We suggest the formation of a temporary channel during the discharging of the cnidosac. Through this channel, nematocysts move from the cnidosac to the cnidopore, which forms on the top of the ceras.