Gastrotrich are invertebrates occasionally found in wastewater treatment systems. Generally their presence indicates good overall health, and they tend to occur in systems with higher SRT values.
There are approximately 500 species of Gastrotrich recognized within the phylum Gastrotricha, with species in nature occurring over a broad range of conditions (salt water, freshwater, soil, sandy seashores). Slang terms for Gastrotrich include hairybellies or hairyback (Wikipedia, 2021). Gastrotrich in water bodies are commonly benthic (live on bottom layers of water bodies) and live amongst detritus and heterotrophic bacteria on or amongst sediments.
Movement is achieved through cilia. Gastrotrich prey on bacteria, organic debris
