epifauna
/ˌɛpɪˈfɔːnə/
noun
- Animals that live on the surface of the seafloor or on other organisms, rather than burrowing into sediment.
- Scientists studied the epifauna living on the ocean floor near the hydrothermal vents.
- The epifauna of the rocky shore includes barnacles and mussels attached to the rocks.
- Coral reefs are home to a diverse epifauna, including starfish and crabs.
Antonyms