An energy budget for adultBrachionus plicatilis Muller (Rotatoria).

An energy budget is presented for adultBrachionus plicatilis Muller, a brackish water rotifer. At 20°C the hourly consumption ofDunaliella salina by an individual rotifer was found to be 332.79±93.25 cal. The assimilation rate was 64.43±9.95 cal per hour when measured, and 62.88 cal per hour when calculated fromP+R. The difference between these two values is 2.4%. Respiration rate per individual per hour was 26.375±2.4 cal and egg production cost 36.5 cal per hour. The amount of faecal matter produced in an hour was obtaineb by subtraction (C-A). Ecological efficiencies are calculated and discussed in relation to those of animals of similar feeding habits.