Rotifers as predators on small ciliates

摘要: Clearance rates of Synchaeta pectinata, Brachionus calyciflorus and Asplanchna girodi on Tetrahymena pyriformis (46 µm in length) at a density 10 cells ml−1, the presence algal food, were 2.5 to 6.1 ml rot.−1 day−1. these rotifers were, respectively, about 2, 3, 13 times lower Strobilidium gyrans (58 than T. pyriformis, indicating that saltations S. are an effective escape response. pectinata considerably Colpidium striatum (81 µm) gyrans, suggesting may not be able ingest ciliates this size. had clearance rate 19 day−1 1.2 absence edible food. Rotifers prey extensively natural plankton communities, ingesting 25 50 individuals 45–60 size range