In cnidarian anatomy, acontias (singular acontia) are threadlike tissues, composed largely of stinging cells located in the coelenteron of certain sea anemones. They are thrown out of the mouth or special pores when irritated.[1]

Ejection and retraction of defense apparatus acontia in the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida.

References

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  1. ^ Peng, Shao-En; Chen, Chii-Shiarng; Li, Hsing-Hui; Chen, Wan-Nan U.; Cheng, Ya-Wen; Lam, Julie (21 February 2017). "A detailed observation of the ejection and retraction of defense tissue acontia in sea anemone (Exaiptasia pallida)". PeerJ. 5: e2996. doi:10.7717/peerj.2996. PMC 5322752. PMID 28243530.