Shoreline of Chilika is rich in decaying submerged vegetation and foldscopy provided us an amazing view of actively grazing rotifer in samples collected from these areas. We were able to capture the live wheel movement of coronal cilia that rotifer was using to catch food. Also we noticed the internal organs and movement of jaws and stomach. Such high resolution images are typically possible with light microscope, but thanks to foldscope, we were able to capture the same magnification as obtained from light microscopes.

Rotifer, the multi-cellular animals are known as “wheel-bearer” due to presence of the crown of cilia around their mouth. They primarily feed on dead or decomposing organic materials, as well as unicellular algae and other phytoplankton that are primary producers in aquatic communities. Such feeding habits make some rotifers primary consumers. Rotifers are in turn prey to carnivorous secondary consumers, including shrimp and crabs. Thus, play an important role in aquatic food web.