Synchaetidae

Synchaetidae is a family of rotifers, which are microscopic multicellular animals. Rotifers are characterized by a corona, a crown of cilia that beats rhythmically, creating a feeding current. Within the Synchaetidae family, the most prominent genus is Synchaeta. Species in this family are typically free-swimming and planktonic, found in freshwater environments worldwide.

Synchaetidae rotifers are generally small, measuring a few hundred micrometers in length. They possess a characteristic teardrop or ovate body shape. A key feature of Synchaeta species is their spiny or bristly appearance, which is due to the presence of specialized setae on their bodies. These setae can vary in size and arrangement depending on the species and may play a role in locomotion or defense.

Reproduction in Synchaetidae is primarily amictic parthenogenesis, meaning females produce diploid eggs that develop into more females without fertilization. Under certain environmental conditions, mictic females can be produced, which lay haploid eggs. If these eggs are not fertilized, they develop into males, which are often smaller and less common than females. Fertilized mictic eggs become resting eggs, which are resistant to adverse conditions and can contribute to the dispersal and survival of the species. These rotifers are important components of freshwater zooplankton communities, serving as a food source for larger organisms.