Rotifers ingest Giardia cysts

Seven species of rotifers representing 6 genera, Epiphanes, Plationus, Asplanchna, Philodina species A, Philodina species B. Platyias, and Brachionus, were exposed to Giardia cysts isolated from the feces of experimentally infected holstein calves. Giardia cysts were prestained with a fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated monoclonal antibody and mixed with viable rotifers on 3-well Teflon-coated microscope slides. Organisms were observed with phase-contrast, differential interference contrast, and fluorescence microscopy. Five rotifer species, Epiphanes brachionus, Plationus patulus, Philodina (both A and B), and Platyias quadricornis, ingested varying numbers of cysts, which were retained within the rotifers' bodies throughout the observation period. Rotifer ingestion of Giardia cysts may represent a means of reducing water contamination.     

五种淡水轮虫种群增长参数的比较研究

在32℃培养条件下,实验研究了5种淡水常见浮游轮虫的种群增长参数。通过编制生命表计算其内禀增长率rm(h-1)、净生殖力(R0)和世代时间T(h)分别为:萼花臂尾轮虫-0.091、14.1和34.1;壶状臂尾轮虫-0.055、6.9和38.4;角突臂尾轮虫-0.035、4.9和50.9;臂尾水轮虫-0.038、4.3和46.1以及裂足臂尾轮虫-0.017、2.1和43.7。其中,萼花臂尾轮虫内禀增长率大,繁殖率高,可作为批量培养的首选种类。       

New species of rotifer from India belonging to the family Brachionidae

During the course of an extensive survey of the ecology and systematics of the rotifers from Andhra Pradesh, India, a rotifer species new to science, having characters related to the genera Euchlanis, Dipeuchlanis and Squatinella, has been encountered and described as Pseudoeuchlanis longipedis gen. et sp. nov.     

Occurrence of Rotifera in the field under natural and intentionally-changed conditions

A comparison of population dynamics of rotifers under natural conditions with those under intentionally-changed ones was carried out at one Lake and five outdoor pools. In Lake Numasawa, dominant rotifers under natural conditions for the past two years were Polyarthra trigla vulgaris, Kellicottia longispina, Ploesoma truncatum, Asplanchna priodonta and Filinia longiseta. Keratella hiemalis, K. cochlearis, K. valga tropica, Brachionus caudatus and Ascomorpha saltans appeared sporadically. Three months after the start of circulation of part of the lake water by a water power plant no remarkable changes were observed as far as the seasonal and vertical distribution of dominant rotifers are concerned. In five pools with different kinds and ratios of covering by such macrophytes as Eichornia and Lemna or reed screen, three types of rotifer communities were found. Type I: Liliferotrocha sp., Brachionus calyciflorus, (B. budapestinensis), B. angularis, K. valga tropica, etc., in which both densities and frequencies were generally reduced in proportion to the ratio of covering either with macrophytes or reed screens. Type II: Filinia longiseta, Polyarthra trigla vulgaris, Asplanchnella sieboldi, etc. in which densities and frequencies were increased by covering either with macrophytes or reed screens. Type III: Trichocerca pusilla, B. quadridentatus, B. leydigi rotundus, Scaridium longicaudum, Euchlanis dilatata, Dicranophorus sp., etc, in which no precise correlation was found between occurrences of the Rotifers and ratio of covering.     

Food selection by young Catla catla (Hamilton–Buchanan) in a tropical fish pond

Food selection by young Catla catla from a tropical fish pond was studied by computing the electivity indices for various types of planktonic food organisms. The fish was found to be a selective feeder. A positive selection was observed for cladocerans, copepods and nauplii larvae. Among the rotifers, however, Keratella and Brachionus were positively selected while Rotaria was completely avoided.
High electivity indices for some and low for the other genera were observed within each group of phytoplankton. Strict stenophagism seemed to occur for certain phytoplanktonic organisms.     

The composition and structure of rotiferan and crustacean communities of the lower rio nhamundá, amazonas,Brazil

The crustaceans and rotifers of 17 samples from the plankton and 3 from the littoral from lakes of the lower Rio Nhamundá, an affluent of the Amazon were studied.

145 taxa of rotifers and 46 of crustaceans were found; two rotifers and three crustaceans are new to science: Keratella americana nhamundaiensis, Euchlanis triquetra var. nhamudaiensis, Echinisca superaculeata, E. sioli, and E. mira. In the taxonomical part 24 rotiferan and 22 crustacean taxa are described in more detail, drawings of them given, and partly remarks made about the geographical distribution.

In the biocenotical part the conditions of dominances were studied: Brachionus zahniseri and Keratella americana within the rotifers and Bosminopsis deitersi and Oithona amazonica within the crustaceans are the dominant species in the pelagial. In the littorial Synchaeta stylata and Stre‐blocerus pygmaeus were found to be dominant.

The species diversity and also the evenness is higher within the rotifers than in the crustaceans. By means of an index of similarity dendrograms were drawn where groups of lakes can be differentiated by using the similarity between the crustaceans. The proportion of neotropical species in relation to pantropical and cosmopolitical species is lowest in the rotifers, higher in the cladocerans and highest in the copepods at 100%.     

Feeding responses of Asplanchna brightwelli (rotifera): laboratory and field studies

Laboratory-reared A. brightwelli were offered 16 different prey rotifer species from the genera Anuraeopsis, Brachionus, Epiphanes, Filinia, Hexarthra, Lecane, Lepadella, Pompholyx, Proalides and Trichocerca. Feeding responses (prey encounter, escape, capture, rejection and ingestion) were recorded. In general, the predator's ingestion time was positively correlated with prey length. B. falcatus and H. intermedia were never captured. Once captured, smaller rotifer species were ingested. Gut contents of field-collected A. brightwelli revealed increased occurrence of prey numbers when concentrated plankton samples were preserved after some delay.     

水蕹菜浮床对草鱼主养池塘轮虫群落结构的影响

研究了水蕹菜浮床对草鱼主养池塘轮虫群落结构的影响,共检出轮虫38种,隶属于2纲14属,其中浮床池塘出现轮虫36种,而非浮床池塘28种。浮床池塘与非浮床池塘的优势种组成基本类似,萼花臂尾轮虫（Brachionus calyciflorus）、裂足臂尾轮虫（Brachionus diversicornis）、裂痕龟纹轮虫（Anuraeopsis fissa）、暗小异尾轮虫（Trichocerca pusilla）以及长肢多肢轮虫（Polyarthra dolichoptera）为共有优势种;浮床池塘与非浮床池塘的轮虫平均密度分别为1892和2255 ind./L,差异极显著（p0.01）;浮床池塘与非浮床池塘轮虫平均生物量分别为1.535和1.405 mg/L,差异不显著（p0.05）。结果表明,水蕹菜浮床显著促进了轮虫种类数增加,提高了轮虫多样性和均匀度,并在一定程度上减缓了轮虫小型化。       

Temporal and vertical distribution of planktonic rotifers in a meromictic crater lake,Lake Nyahirya (Western Uganda)

Quantitative zooplankton sampling was carried out biweekly during 16 months in Lake Nyahirya, a Western Uganda crater lake. Six out of 24 rotifer species recorded from the lake were quantitatively important (Horaella brehmi, Brachionus angularis, B. caudatus, Keratella tropica, Filinia longiseta and F. opoliensis, and three others were common (Brachionus falcatus, Asplanchna sieboldi and Conochiloides natans). Rotifer peaks were correlated with rainy periods and relatively clear water, which coincide with the European spring and autumn. All species were able to deal with hypoxic conditions. A clear niche separation can be observed between different genera and between species of the same genus. The population dynamics of the rotifers seem to be ruled by repeated irregular environmental fluctuations. Rainfall appears to be a primary steering factor.     

The state of zooplankton in the cooler reservoir of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and in the upper part of the Kiev Reservoir

The results of studies on the zooplankton in the cooler reservoir of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant following the 1986 disaster are presented. The study region also included the waterbodies and watercourses situated within the 30-km-wide right-of-way zone. Species composition, vertical and horizontal distribution, abundance, and biomass have been studied. A total of 101 species of invertebrates were found: 43 species of rotifers, 42 cladocerans, and 16 copepods. Among all the species found, almost 90% of the total zooplankton abundance and biomass were composed of indicator species: representatives of g. Brachionus, Asplanchna priodonta, Synchaeta spp., Euchlanis dilatata, Chydorus sphaericus, Bosmina longirostris, and Acanthocyclops americanus. The veligers of zebra mussel were found in the plankton of the investigated water-bodies. In the Kiev Reservoir, their abundance during the summer period may be high: >1 million spec./m³).     

Abundance and diversity of planktonic rotifers in the Po River

Zooplankton samples from the middle reach of the Po River were collected daily from 27 July to 24 August 1988 from a station located near Viadana. Changes in the biocoenosis structure were analyzed in relation to variations in flow rate. Rotifers accounted for more than 99% of the total zooplankton (protozoans excluded) in every sample. The dominant species were Brachionus calyciflorus, Brachionus bennini, Brachionus budapestinensis and Epiphanes macrourus. Under scanty flow conditions, the taxocoenosis showed marked stability. An increase in flow rate acts as a disturbance factor leading to a significant decrease in both total density and dominance.     

Do steady state assemblages occur in shallow lentic environments from wetlands?

The Okavango Delta has an annual flood cycle that spreads slowly from the northwestern`panhandle' into a widening delta to the southeast. Rotifers were sampled from areas where the flood was active, and from other areas not yet reached by the flood. In still waters, the samples were dominated by euplanktonic rotifers, particularly of the genera Brachionus, Keratella and Hexarthra, with about 20 species per 1000 individuals at a station. Where the water was moving the samples were dominated by periphytic rotifers, with over 100 species per 1000 individuals at a single station. The periphytic species were dominated by the genus Lecane,with over 45 species, followed by Lepadellawith 24 species, and Trichocercawith 23 species. Comparison of the Okavango with six other tropical localities reveals fairly consistent ratios of the numbers of species in the periphytic genera Lecane, Lepadellaand Trichocerca,indicating that there may be assembly rules for communities of tropical periphytic rotifers.     

A first assessment of genome size diversity in Monogonont rotifers

This study provides the first analysis of genome size diversity in Monogonont rotifers. Measurements were made using flow cytometry, with Drosophila melanogaster and chicken erythrocytes as internal standards. Nuclear DNA content (??2C????assuming diploid genomes) in eight different species of four different genera ranged almost fourfold, from 0.12 to 0.46 pg. A comparison with previously published values for Bdelloid rotifers suggested that the genomes of Monogononts are significantly smaller than those of Bdelloids. When compared to other Metazoans, Monogonont rotifers seem to have relatively small genomes. For instance, the C-values of the two species with the smallest genomes, Brachionus dimidiatus and Synchaeta pectinata, were only 0.06 and 0.085 pg, respectively. Various explanations for genome size diversity within Monogononta are discussed.     

Use of freeze-dried microalgae for rearing gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., larvae. II. Biochemical composition

The objectives of this study were to test whether freeze-dried microalgae are nutritionally adequate for rearing rotifers as food for gilthead seabream larvae. The elemental composition (C, N, H) and fatty acid composition were analysed in larvae of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., rotifers Brachionus plicatilis and Brachionus rotundiformis and freeze-dried microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata. Four larval feeding treatments were tested: (A) larvae fed rotifers cultivated with freeze-dried microalgae and daily addition of freeze-dried microalgae to the larval tanks; (B) larvae fed rotifers cultivated with freeze-dried microalgae and daily addition of live microalgae to the larval tanks; (C) larvae fed rotifers cultivated with freeze-dried microalgae, without addition of microalgae to the larval tank and (D) larvae fed rotifers cultivated with live microalgae and daily addition of live microalgae to the larval tanks. No significant differences were observed between the biochemical composition of larvae with treatment A (with freeze-dried microalgae) and the composition of larvae in treatment D that were obtained with the acceptable methods for culture systems (with live microalgae).     

珠江广州河段轮虫群落结构的初步研究

2004年4月-2005年4月,对珠江广州河段轮虫群落结构特征进行了初步研究。经鉴定,共发现轮虫65种（包括亚种）,其中西氏三肢轮虫（Filinia novaezealandiae）、华美腔轮虫（Lecane elegans）为我国的新记录种。优势种为裂痕龟纹轮虫（Anuraeopsis fissa）、角突臂尾轮虫（Brachionus angularis）、尾突臂尾轮虫（Brachionus caudatus）、Filinia novaezealandiae、暗小异尾轮虫（Trichocerca pusilla）和微型多突轮虫（Liliferotrocha subtilis）。调查发现径流量对轮虫密度有重要影响,轮虫的两次密度高峰分别出现在春末夏初和秋季。丰水期,轮虫密度较低;枯水期前期,轮虫密度较高;枯水期后期,轮虫密度较低。此外,轮虫种群还受到温度、盐度等因素的影响。研究结果表明轮虫在河流生态系统中具有重要作用。     

长江口轮虫生物多样性特征分析

长江口径流在南北支分布不均导致北支盐度高于南支,因此南北支之间生物群落存在一定差异。2010年在长江口分支前的江段和南北支设置5个断面,开展轮虫生态研究。分支前的太海汽渡断面处共采集到轮虫9种,隶属6科8属,其中优势种为没尾无柄轮虫、暗小异尾轮虫、萼花臂尾轮虫等;长江口南支2个断面共采集轮虫20种,隶属于6科12属,南支优势种为暗小异尾轮虫、盘状鞍甲轮虫和蹄形腔轮虫;长江口北支2个断面共采集轮虫11种,隶属于7科10属,北支优势种为舞跃无柄轮虫、没尾无柄轮虫和盘状鞍甲轮虫。南支轮虫种类、密度、多样性都高于北支,南北支的轮虫群落相似度较低。轮虫与水域环境因子相关性分析显示,盐度的差别影响了轮虫种类组成、密度和空间分布。     

Some new and rare warmwater rotifers

Two new rotifer species, Lecane (Monostyla) aliger n.sp. and Proales pugio n.sp. are described from the Bahama Islands, Florida and California, and their autecology outlined. Some other rare rotifers are discussed which also prefer subtropical conditions. They are: Epiphanes clavulata, Epiphanes brachionus spinosus, Lecane crepida and Proalides tentaculatus tentaculatus. The existence of subtropical rotifer associations is discussed and supported by ecological data.     

Studies on functional response and prey selection using zooplankton in the anostracan Chirocephalus diaphanus Prevost, 1803

Freshwater cladocerans and rotifers were used as prey to study functional response and prey selection by adult females of Chirocephalus diaphanus under laboratory conditions. For functional response studies, we offered three rotifer species (Brachionus calyciflorus, B. patulus and Euchlanis dilatata) and three cladoceran species (Alona rectangula, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Moina macrocopa) at various densities ranging from 0.5 to 16 ind. ml^–1. We found increased zooplankton consumption with increasing prey density but beyond 4 ind ml^–1 cladocerans and 8 ind. ml^–1 rotifers, the number of animals eaten plateaued. In general, C. diaphanus consumed fewer large prey (cladocerans) and many more smaller zooplankton (rotifers). For prey selection experiments, we used B. calyciflrous, B. patulus, C. dubia and M. macrocopa, offered at the ratio of two rotifers: one cladoceran and at three prey densities (total zooplankton numbers: 3, 6 and 12 ind. ml^–1). Prey selectivity patterns followed the functional response trends. In general, regardless of prey types, with an increase in the available zooplankton, there was an increase in the number of prey consumed. At any given prey density, C. diaphanus consumed higher numbers of rotifers than cladocerans. Among the prey offered, B. patulus and M. macrocopa were positively selected. Results are discussed in light of possible control of zooplankton by anostracans in temporary ponds.     

Effect of petroleum pollution on rotifer

Results on the effect of petroleum pollution on the number and age structure of rotifers Brachionus plicatilis under laboratory conditions are presented. The effect of petroleum pollution (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mL/L of water) on a population of rotifers was studied when modeling experimental conditions. Depending on the concentration of petroleum, three stages of adaptive reactions were found in rotifers, i.e., stimulation, resistance, and depression. The age stability of rotifers to petroleum pollution was revealed.     

武汉东湖夏冬两季浮游动物物种多样性及群落结构研究

2018年7月、8月、12月及2019年1月, 对武汉东湖沿岸带的浮游动物群落分夏冬两季进行了调查研究。共鉴定出浮游动物35属50种, 其中轮虫22属37种、枝角类10属10种、桡足类3属3种。夏季优势物种为跨立小剑水蚤(Microcyclops varicans)、裂足臂尾轮虫(Brachionus diversicornis)和微型裸腹溞(Moina micrura); 冬季优势物种为长肢多肢轮虫(Polyarthra dolichoptera)、疣毛轮虫(Synchaeta spp.)、角突臂尾轮虫(Brachionus angularis)和犀轮虫(Rhinoglena sp.)。将观察到的浮游动物进行了图像信息采集, 并确定了部分物种SSU rRNA序列, 为淡水浮游动物的研究提供了参考资料。参考武汉东湖浮游动物研究的历史文献数据, 东湖数十年来浮游动物物种数逐渐下降, 轮虫优势物种由寡污型转为β-中污型甚至α-中污型。夏冬两季东湖浮游动物群落结构具有明显差异, 夏季轮虫平均密度(56.2 ind./L)和生物量(0.22 mg/L)低于冬季(476.3 ind./L、0.44 mg/L), 而甲壳类密度(137.8 ind./L)和生物量(2.88 mg/L)高于冬季(53.1 ind./L、1.12 mg/L)。夏季浮游动物群落Margalef丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和Simpson多样性指数均高于冬季, 夏冬两季Pielou均匀度指数差异不大, 水质评价表明东湖夏季(中污染)优于冬季(重污染)。夏冬两季温度、溶解氧、pH、盐度和ORP五种环境因子均存在极显著差异, RDA分析表明, 其中温度对浮游动物群落结构的影响最大。