Although restricted to a handful of bdelloid and monogonont species, the arctic regions do possess rotifers. These live in the perpetual cold of arctic lakes, ponds and pools, and the glacial meltwater in cryoconite holes. Bdelloids survive in these environments by entering a dormant phase when the conditions become too harsh (i.e., freezing).

Genera of this cold climate include the following. Bdelloidea: Adineta, Macrotrachela, Philodina, and Proales. Monogononta: Cephalodella, Encentrum, and Synchaeta.