planula, plural planulae, free-swimming or crawling larval type common in many species of the phylum Cnidaria (e.g., jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones). The planula body is more or less cylindrical or egg-shaped and bears numerous cilia (tiny hairlike projections), which are used for locomotion.

How do most cnidarians move?

How do cnidarians move? Since Cnidarians do not have a mesoderm, they do not have any true muscle. They move by epithelial muscular cells (cells in the epidermis that can contract and are made up myosin and actin.

How do medusae move?

The medusa is a free-swimming form; it moves by rhythmic muscular contractions of the bell, providing a slow propulsive action against the water. The other principal body type of the adult cnidarian is the polyp, a stalked, sessile (attached) form.