Abstract
The evolution of rotifer feeding/ nutritional studies is discussed together with their relevance to ecological observations. Aseptic conditions and initially synxenic cultures are regarded as a basis for nutritional work. The marine rotifer Encentrum linnhei requires the amino acid dl-tryptophan as a supplement to the food-alga Brachiomonas submarina. Observations on feeding rotifers in natural water samples, together with the morphology of their feeding mechanisms, show Encentrum to be an omnivore; a natural source of tryptophan is suggested.
Vitamin B12 and thiamine requirements of Encentrum and Brachionus plicatilis are examined and evidence shown for the quantitative control of the former vitamin by the rotifer's food algae.
Axenic cultivation of rotifers is discussed and restricted growth of Brachionus reported under such conditions.
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Scott, J.M. Rotifer nutrition using supplemented monoxenic cultures. Hydrobiologia 104, 155–166 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00045963
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00045963