Colloblast

Colloblasts are a cell type of ctenophores. They are widespread in the tentacles of these animals and are used to capture prey. On contact, vesicles containing a gluey substance rupture, and thus entangle the prey animal in the tentilla, the fine threads attached to the tentacle.

The colloblasts are similar to the nematocysts used in cnidarians in catching technique except that these colloblasts "stick" to their prey, in a suction manner. Colloblasts were first observed in 1844.

colloblast