Kurotella

Kurotella is a genus of rotifers, which are microscopic aquatic invertebrates. Rotifers are characterized by a corona, a wheel-like structure of cilia on their heads that they use for both locomotion and feeding. The genus Kurotella is distinguished by its spiny or toothed corona, which gives it a distinctive appearance. These rotifers are found in a wide range of freshwater habitats, from ponds and lakes to streams and even ephemeral puddles.

Members of the Kurotella genus are typically planktonic, meaning they drift in the water column. They are omnivorous, feeding on algae, bacteria, and smaller zooplankton. The spines on their corona may play a role in deterring predation by larger organisms, or perhaps in aiding their movement through the water. Reproduction in Kurotella, as with most rotifers, can be either sexual or asexual through parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis allows females to produce offspring without a male, a process that can lead to rapid population growth under favorable conditions.

The genus Kurotella was first described by Carl Erich Fuhrmann in 1915. While not as widely studied as some other rotifer genera, Kurotella is considered an important component of freshwater zooplankton communities, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for various aquatic animals. Their presence and abundance can sometimes be used as an indicator of water quality.