Synchaeta

Synchaeta is a genus of rotifers belonging to the family Synchaetidae. These microscopic aquatic animals are found in both freshwater and marine environments, often occurring in plankton communities. Synchaeta species are characterized by their cylindrical or cone-shaped bodies, a corona bearing cilia used for locomotion and feeding, and a relatively simplified anatomy compared to other rotifers.

A key feature of Synchaeta is the presence of a lorica, a rigid or semi-rigid shell-like structure that encloses the body. The lorica in Synchaeta is often thin and transparent, allowing for clear observation of internal organs. The corona, or ciliated head, is used to create a current of water that brings food particles, primarily algae and bacteria, into the mouth.

Synchaeta rotifers are primarily parthenogenetic, meaning that females reproduce without fertilization. However, under certain environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature or food availability, sexual reproduction may occur, resulting in the production of resting eggs that are resistant to harsh conditions.

The genus Synchaeta comprises numerous species, each with slight variations in morphology and ecological niche. These variations can relate to the shape and ornamentation of the lorica, the number and arrangement of cilia, and preferred food sources. Due to their abundance and rapid reproduction rate, Synchaeta rotifers play an important role in aquatic food webs, serving as a food source for larger zooplankton and small fish. Their sensitivity to environmental changes also makes them useful bioindicators of water quality.