Editing Cnidocyte (section)

=== Prey detection ===

Cnidae are "single use" cells, and thus represent a large expenditure of energy to produce. In [[Hydrozoa]]ns, in order to regulate discharge, cnidocytes are connected as "batteries", containing several types of cnidocytes connected to supporting cells and neurons. The supporting cells contain [[Chemoreceptor|chemosensor]]s, which, together with the [[mechanoreceptor]] on the cnidocyte (cnidocil), allow only the right combination of stimuli to cause discharge, such as prey swimming, and chemicals found in prey [[cuticle]] or cutaneous tissue. This prevents the cnidarian from stinging itself although sloughed off cnidae can be induced to fire independently.