Rotifers under the microscope

Rotifers are microscopic animals found in aquatic environments all around the world. The name Rotifer comes the Latin words “wheel bearers“ for the crown of cilia on their head, called the corona. The cilia on the corona beat to create a vortex that draws in food for the rotifer to eat, which consist of dead organic matter, algae, protozoa and organisms small enough to fit in its mouth. In some species, The corona can also be used to propel the rotifer forward and help it swim. The magnification of each clip is shown in the bottom right hand corner.