Brachionus plicatilis is between 0.2 and 0.6 mm long and belongs to the wheel animals (Rotifera).
Brachionus plicatilis is between 0.2 and 0.6 mm long and belongs to the wheel animals (Rotifera).
Just like all other Rotifera, Brachionus has radar-like structures on its head. The small teeth on these two lobes move back and forth very quickly, and create a vortex. This vortex is both used for moving around, as for catching food: unicellular microalgae.
Brachionus plicatilis occurs in seas and oceans throughout the world, and has an important ecological role. Together with other wheel animals, Brachionus plicatilis forms a large part of the zooplankton, and is considered a staple food for larger organisms. This, combined with its sensitivity to aquatic toxins, makes Brachionus plicatilis a highly suitable toxicological research subject in seawater.
Sea horse feed
Wheel animals are widely used as fish feed in the commercial fish trade. Due to their small size and nutritional richness, they are especially suitable as food for fish larvae. In the ARTIS Aquarium they are also used to feed the sea horses. A few weeks ago, the ARTIS-Micropia laboratory started an experiment to breed Brachionus for the Aquarium. Besides Bracnhionus, we also cultivate its food. Two microalgae, Nannochloropsis and Tetraselmis, are grown for this specific purpose.
This means we don’t have to buy Brachionus anymore, saving money and reducing our impact on the environment as fewer transports to ARTIS are needed. Micropia thus contributes to a more sustainable ARTIS.