Rotifer any of the members of Rotifera, a minor phylum of animal kingdom composed of microscopic multicellar organisms recognizable by an anterior ciliary organ, known as corona. These minute organisms, also known as wheel animalcule, are principally inhabitants of freshwater bodies, though occasionally reported from salt water, and moist terrestrial habitats. These interesting animals constitute most important food item for the fishes. Zooplankton plays an vital role in the food chain of fish as animal food, which supply amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. (Watanabe et al., 1983). In spite of different efforts to replace live food by inert feeds, the rearing of fry and juvenile of fishes (specially zooplankton feeder) in nursery ponds mostly depend on the greater abundance of zooplankton (Habib et al., 1988).

1. Use of Rotifer in Larviculture in Bangladesh
Rotifer any of the members of Rotifera, a minor phylum of animal kingdom composed of
microscopic multicellar organisms recognizable by an anterior ciliary organ, known as corona.
These minute organisms, also known as wheel animalcule, are principally inhabitants of
freshwater bodies, though occasionally reported from salt water, and moist terrestrial habitats.
These interesting animals constitute most important food item for the fishes. Zooplankton plays
an vital role in the food chain of fish as animal food, which supply amino acids, fatty acids,
vitamins, minerals, etc. (Watanabe et al., 1983). In spite of different efforts to replace live food
by inert feeds, the rearing of fry and juvenile of fishes (specially zooplankton feeder) in nursery
ponds mostly depend on the greater abundance of zooplankton (Habib et al., 1988).
Species Found in Bangladesh:
Two of the most common zooplankton found in Bangladesh are Rotifer and Copepods. Many
species of rotifers have been identified from different types of freshwater bodies in
Bangladesh. Brachionid rotifers seem to be predominant and the common species recorded are
Brachionus diversicornis, B. falcatus, B. quadridentatus, B. calyciflorus, B. havanensis and B.
forficula. The other common genera in Bangladesh are Keratella, Monostyla, Lecane, Lepadella,
Filinia, Trichocerca, Polyarthra, etc.
Uses of Rotifer in Larviculture:
The successful use of rotifer in commercial hatchery operations of red sea beam (Pargus major)
encouraged investigations in the development of mass culture techniques of rotifer. Twenty
years ago, rotifer was first used in larviculture feeding. Fingerling production is one of the many
challenges faced by those interested in promoting industrial production of emerging marine
and fresh water species. In spite of huge efforts to use artificial feeds, the of fish larvae during
the primary nursing phase still depends heavily on natural food. Live feeds include Rotifers,
Artemia and other tiny organisms are often the enhancing larval production. These live foods
are used in larviculture of carps, catfish and shrimp. Though there is not enough study on
rotifer culture in Bangladesh.The benefits they are getting is discussed below.
Uses in Catfish:
Larval nutrition and live feed culture like Artemia and rotifers is one of the most important and
obligatory matter for successful fish culture. Feeding with live prey for fish larvae are most
essential because during first few days of their life they have no complete develop digestive
tract, especially their digestive enzymes. Moreover, live increases feeding by predatory larvae,

2. resulting reduce cannibalism of some species like Clarius gariepinus the enhancing larval
production. Clarius gariepinus is generally considered as predator or omnivorous and also
commercially important fish for aquaculture because they are able to tolerate to extreme
environment conditions and worldwide demand.Awaiss and Kestemont studied the suitability
of the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus as starting food for the larviculture of African
catfish.
Uses in Shrimp Culture:
Now-a-days rotifers are used as replacement of Artemia in shrimp culture. In some coastal
shrimp hatcheries of Bangladesh rotifers are used as successful larvae feed. Many marine fish
hatcheries incorporate rotifers in their larval diets because rotifers are smaller than Artemia.
With shrimp, Artemia is usually introduced in the Mysis stage, but most species can survive on
rotifers from earlier stages. The success of extensive penaeid larvae rearing systems using
rotifers in areas where Artemia and enrichment diets are prohibitively expensive or unavailable
indicates that they are an alternative worth considering.
Rotifer
Conclusion:
These are the reasons why the usage of rotifer is increasing day by day. In present state rotifer
is only used in larviculture of shrimp. But hatchery owners should look for live food for
larviculture instead of artificial food and rotifer is best suited live feed for larviculture. Though it
lacks fatty acid components. We can enrich it by DHA and EPA.
References
1.http://www.shrimpnews.com
2.http://www.banglapedia.org
3.www.banglajol.info
4.Brendan Delbos, Research Specialist, Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and
Extension Center Michael H. Schwarz, Extension Aquaculture Specialist, Virginia Seafood
Agricultural Research and Extension Center