Review on the ecology and taxonomy of sessile rotifers (Rotifera) with special reference to Mexico

Abstract

Although comprising <0.5% of all the known species of Rotifera, sessile rotifers are an important component in freshwater ecosystems, especially shallow waterbodies. During the last eight decades, fewer than 80 publications have dealt specifically with sessile rotifers, while more than 7600 articles have focused on rotifers in general e In this work research on the sessile rotifers with emphasis on the Mexican fauna has been reviewed and some additional information on the new records has been included. Difficulties involved in collection and maintenance of sessile rotifers, as well as problems of identification and quantification have been considered. Published data on the ecology and taxonomy of this group has also been reviewed. There are 35 species of sessile rotifers from three families Atrochidae, Collothecidae, and Flosculariidae, but to that four more species in the planktonic family Conochilidae may be added, as recent molecular research indicates that this family lies within Flosculariidae. The inventory includes new records for Mexico and one poorly described species. The number of sessile rotifer species known from Mexico is still low considering the large number of shallow water bodies present in Mexico. Comments regarding the importance of substratum (macrophyte) type and the significance of physical structure in providing substratum for larval stages of sessile rotifers have been made. Onli