Marine Organisms

Benthos

Benthos are organisms that dwell on the bottom of the ocean and are composed of plants, animals, and bacteria.

There are three different types of Benthos:

Infauna- Are benthos that live buried in the sand, shells, or mud at the bottom
of the ocean

Epifauna- Epifauna live on the surface of the sea floor and they are attached to
rocks or move along the bottom of the sea floor.

Demersal- Dermsals live on the bottom of the ocean but also swim or crawl
through the water above the ocean floor.

Infauna

Have very limited mobility
Live in sediment and are exposed to the environment
Have a very long life span.

Epifaunal
Include animals like oysters, muscles, snails, starfish, and crabs.
They have a very importation characteristics, they either live attached to rocks or move on the sediment surface.
Epifaunals span from primitive sponges to early vertebras.

Demersal

They are the most valuable fish
They rely on crustaceans and worms for their food source.

Soft bottom fish- Which include flounders, puffers, and searobins

Hard Bottom fish- Are fish such as toad fish and oysters that live in and around the reefs.

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Question? Contact Megan Dhien at dheinml@uwec.edu

Page Last Updated 03-Mar-2004