In the Phylum Cnidaria, most organisms can reproduce sexually and asexually. In asexual reproduction, polyps reproduce new polyps by budding. Budding starts with a swelling in the adult organism before breaking off and becoming a new polyp. It is important to note that polyps that spring from budding can also be from tiny medusae.
This diagram below shows the life cycle of a Jellyfish undergoing sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction in Cnidarians happen when mature medusae produce gametes (male and female) and the male gametes are released into the water for fertilization. Depending on the organism, fertilization can happen in a medusa or in the water. Female gametes are also released into the water if the fertilization of the organism happens in the water. The zygote (fertilized egg) grows into a ciliated larva before it becomes a polyp on a surface in which reproduction will take place again.
