Brachionus calyciflorus

Brachionus calyciflorus is a well-known species of rotifer frequently studied in limnology and aquaculture. While these organisms are beneficial as high-quality live feed for larval fish, they can become a nuisance in specific aquaculture settings where population explosions disrupt the desired water quality parameters and microbial balance.

Taxonomically, this organism belongs to the order Ploima and the family Brachionidae. It is a cosmopolitan species widely distributed across freshwater systems. Its biological structure is characterized by a lorica (shell) that exhibits phenotypic plasticity, adapting its form to the presence of chemical cues released by predators.

The economic harm of an uncontrolled bloom manifests as competition for essential nutrients within the water column. By consuming large quantities of phytoplankton and bacteria, they can collapse the primary productivity needed for other aquatic species. This shift in the trophic chain can result in unstable oxygen levels and degraded water quality in intensive farming ponds.

The lifecycle is characterized by a rapid alternation between parthenogenetic (asexual) and sexual reproduction. This enables the population to expand exponentially in response to high nutrient availability. Their ability to produce resting eggs ensures that the population can persist through harsh environmental conditions, such as droughts or winter periods.

Integrated management strategies for controlling rotifer populations in aquaculture ponds include:

• Rigorous monitoring of nitrogen and phosphorus levels to prevent nutrient enrichment.
• Implementation of filtration systems to reduce the density of planktonic organisms in incoming water.
• Biocontrol measures that favor the growth of native fish species capable of grazing on zooplankton populations.