What is this?

[fibreoptix]

One of the most fascinating things I've seen through a scope. It's head retracted and turned into a propeller! Wow. Can anyone identify it?

http://imgur.com/gallery/BrVQWZm

[75RR]

It's head retracted and turned into a propeller!

Curiously that is where it gets its name from ... Rotifer

[fibreoptix]

No kidding? Ha. I wish i originally discoved it. I would have named it prop head. I was truly blown away when i saw its head retract and swim away rapidly. What a fascinatingly strange creature. I read that they are all female?

EDIT just realized there is a subsection for identification. New here sorry.

[75RR]

I read that they are all female?

I believe that the Bdelloid rotifers are all female - not sure about the others.

In fact I think that is what you photographed.

Here is a link to a Bdelloid key: http://www.atbi.eu/summerschool/files/s ... llabus.pdf

There is some more info on Rotifers in the Resources (online, books etc.) section.

[GaryB]

Rotifers are pretty awesome, and very widespread so you should be able to find more of them quite easily. They do make good study partners as long as you can get them to stay relatively still. Unlike the simpler pond occupants, they are multi-cellular, have jaws, eyes, brains and twin turboprops to observe. They've kept me busy for quite long periods and are fascinating to watch.