Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Gastrozooids: Gastrozooids are the feeding polyps of the colony. They have tentacles armed with stinging cells (cnidocytes) that are used to capture and immobilize small prey, typically planktonic organisms. Gastrozooids are responsible for feeding and obtaining nutrients for the colony.
Dactylozooids: Dactylozooids are specialized for defense. They have long, slender tentacles with stinging cells that are used to deter and immobilize potential threats, such as predators. Their primary role is to protect the colony from harm.
Gonozooids: Gonozooids are the reproductive polyps in the colony. They are responsible for producing reproductive structures called gonophores or gonangia, which give rise to medusae (the sexually reproducing stage) through asexual reproduction. Gonozooids contribute to the colony's reproduction.
Blastostyles: Blastostyles are specialized polyps that are responsible for asexual reproduction. They produce small, bud-like structures called blastostyles that develop into new polyps, contributing to the growth and expansion of the colony.