Cctenophora

Ctenophora is a phylum of metazoan animals commonly known as comb jellies or sea walnuts. These marine invertebrates are characterized by their translucent, gelatinous bodies and rows of ciliated combs, which they use for locomotion. Unlike true jellyfish (Cnidaria), ctenophores do not possess stinging cells; instead, they often have sticky tentacles or specialized colloblasts to capture prey. They exhibit biradial symmetry, meaning their bodies can be divided into two planes of symmetry. Ctenophores are found in all the world's oceans, from surface waters to the deep sea, and are important components of marine planktonic communities. They range in size from a few millimeters to over a meter, though most are relatively small. Their life cycles typically involve a larval stage. Reproduction can be sexual, with most species being hermaphroditic, or asexual. Ctenophores play a role in marine food webs, consuming small invertebrates and zooplankton, and are in turn preyed upon by fish and other marine animals. Their evolutionary history is a subject of ongoing research, with recent genetic studies suggesting they may be among the earliest diverging animal lineages.