Euchlanis

{{Short description|Genus of rotifers}}

{{Automatic taxobox

| image = Euchlanis dilatata photo.jpg

| image_caption = Euchlanis dilatata

| taxon = Euchlanis

| authority = Ehrenberg, 1830

| subdivision_ranks = Species

| subdivision = See text.

| synonyms = *Dapidia Gosse, 1887

  • Enchlanis Braum, 1884

| synonyms_ref =

}}

Euchlanis is a genus of rotifers belonging to the family Euchlanidae.{{cite web |title=Euchlanis Ehrenberg, 1830 |url=https://www.gbif.org/species/1002518 |website=www.gbif.org |access-date=9 March 2021 |language=en}}

Sometimes alternatively referred to as wheel animalcules, rotifers feature a characteristic circular arrangement of cilia at their front ends that is reminiscent of a turning wheel when they are in motion.{{Cite web|title=Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Specialized Microscopy Techniques - Differential Interference Contrast Image Gallery - Euchlanis Rotifer|url=https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/techniques/dic/dicgallery/euchlanissmall.html|access-date=2021-03-18|website=micro.magnet.fsu.edu}} The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution.

Description

Rotifers have a characteristic circular arrangement of cilia at their front ends. These cilia are used to bring food particles, including bacteria, debris and small protozoans, towards the mouth. A mastax, a jaw-like structure, grinds the food as it enters the stomach. Excretory structures known as flame cells create a current that drains them into the intestines or the bladder. They have transparent bodies and two strong structures that are used for swimming. They are sheathed in a glassy shell secreted by their outer skin.

Species

The following species are accepted:

References