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Specimen
083
Keratella cochlearis is a rotifer. K. cochlearis has an oval lorica, a shell-like protective outer cuticle. At the anterior end are three pairs of spines. The central pair curve towards the ventral surface, the next pair diverge slightly and the outer pair converge. There is a single red eye. There is also a central funnel-shaped mouth and on either side of this are rings of cilia which twirl and help waft food particles into the mouth. They are also used for locomotion. There are two forms of this rotifer - some individuals have a long spine at the posterior end and others do not. |