What are benthos? What is the benthic zone?

The benthic zone is the bottom of a body of water, such as the ocean or a lake.

Animals, especially fish, that live on the seabed (the bottom of the ocean), are called benthic animals, or benthic fish – they are also called benthos.

Rhino Catfish

Barbel

Sea Anemone

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM