Trophi Morphology Relative to Food Habits in Six Species of Rotifers (Asplanchnidae)

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Abstract
Asplanchna brightwelli, A. girodi, A. priodonta, A. sieboldi, A. silvestrii and Asplanchnopus multiceps co-occur in the water of the lower Mokelumne River in central California [USA]. They are similar in body form and in the structure of their trophi. Differences in trophi morphology is correlated with differences in the food consumed by each species. Strong adductor muscles associated with either expanded bases of the rami, as in Asplanchnopus, or large apophyses, as in A. silvestrii and A. sieboldi, together with pointed tips to the rami are correlated with the consumption of larger prey than that consumed by A. girodi and A. priodonta, which lack these features. A. brightwelli is intermediate between the 2 groups. The capability for apposition of the rami of the trophi in the mid-line in A. priodonta and A. silvestrii apparently is correlated with the use of diatoms for food. Other correlations are observed.

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