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Rotifers: Rotifera

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, No Common Name (asplanchna Priodonta): Species Accounts, No Common Name (seison Nebaliae): Species AccountsGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, ROTIFERS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STAT



NO COMMON NAME (Asplanchna priodonta): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
NO COMMON NAME (Seison nebaliae): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Rotifers live all over the world.


Most rotifers live in freshwater in sand or mud at the bottom, in plants, or in open water. Several species live in saltwater, usually among plants but sometimes between grains of sand on beaches.


Rotifers eat algae and other protists, bacteria, and even other rotifers. Algae (AL-jee) are plantlike growths that live in water and have no true roots, stems, or leaves. Protists (PROH-tists) are one-celled living things that have a nucleus (NOO-klee-uhs), which is the control center of a cell.



Many species of rotifers are cultured as fish food for aquariums and fish farms. They also can be used in tests for water pollution.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The name rotifer comes from the Latin words rota, meaning "wheel," and ferre, meaning "to carry." When these animals are swimming or feeding, the beating of their hairlike fibers gives the illusion that the animal carries two small, rotating wheels.

Rotifers are not considered threatened or endangered.

Additional topics

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