Variation in expression patterns of the NEP3 family members and the fact that at least four different types of gland cells at distinct developmental stages and tissues express different toxins (Nv1, Nvlysin1b, NEP6 and NvePTx1) in Nematostella suggests a highly complex venom landscape in this species
Maybe this variety and diversity potentially keeps prey from getting used to the venom.
The results of the ISH and nCounter experiments indicated that NvePTx1 is maternally deposited at the RNA level.
It makes sense that the venom isn't made by the larvae with the mother providing this to them so they can hunt right away.
Strikingly, within 10 min from the start of the incubation 3 out of 8 Artemia were paralyzed or dead, and within 90 min 7 of 8 were dead (Video 1), whereas in a control group without planulae all Artemia were alive.
I find it impressive that such a small larva can kill something bigger. This shows it probably has very strong venom.
change dramatically between developmental stages of this species
I wonder if this variation in venom could be linked to specific prey types available at each stage.