Effect of algal diet and temperature on the biochemical composition of the rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis

Rotifers were fed on four species of unicellular algae (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Pavlova lutheri, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Isochrysis galbana) at a range of temperatures. Measurements were made of growth rate, weight and level of total protein, carbohydrate and lipid. Large differences were found in rotifer weight and biochemical composition as a result of feeding and starvation. There were only minor differences attributable to the type of alga used as a food.