Trichocerca (rat tail rotifer)
Trichocerca spp. · Aquatic life
Under the microscope · Photo: CC0
Also called Trichocerca cylindrica, Trichocerca similis, Trichocerca pusilla
How to identify Trichocerca (rat tail rotifer)
- Microscopic, about 0.1 to 0.5 mm
- Long, tube shaped shell, often slightly twisted or lopsided
- One long, straight toe at the back like a tail
- Often a ridge or tooth near the head
Similar species
Filinia has bristles at both ends; Kellicottia has many spines on a flat shell.
Profile
| Season | Mostly summer. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 60 F and warmer |
| Depth | Open water and among plants |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Females clone themselves through the season; tough resting eggs survive drying and travel on birds, wind and equipment |
| Habitat | Open water and plant beds of warm ponds, lakes and reservoirs. |
Why it matters in a lake
Feeds by piercing algae cells and sucking out the contents. Common in warm, nutrient rich ponds.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Rotifera |
| Class | Eurotatoria |
| Order | Ploima |
| Family | Trichocercidae |
| Scientific name | Trichocerca spp. |
Keratella (spined rotifer)
Polyarthra (feather rotifer)
Brachionus (rotifer)
Asplanchna (sac rotifer)
Kellicottia (long spine rotifer)
Filinia (bristle rotifer)
Synchaeta (cold water rotifer)
Conochilus (colonial rotifer)
Lecane (flat rotifer)
Euchlanis (glass rotifer)Need a hand?
Found it in your lake?
Send us a photo and we will identify it and tell you what it means for your lake.
Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596