Small animal needs unusual fortifier if fading (7)
I believe the answer is:
rotifer
'small animal' is the definition.
'rotifer' can be an answer for 'animal' (I have seen 'Simple animal' mean 'rotifer' so perhaps 'animal' could also mean 'rotifer'). I am not sure about the 'small' bit.
'unusual fortifier if fading' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'if' is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'needs' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rotifer that I've seen before include "Tiny animal" , "Simple animal" , "Aquatic creature" .)
