epipelagic
/ˌɛpɪpəˈlædʒɪk/
adjective
- Relating to the upper layer of the ocean, from the surface down to about 200 meters (650 feet), where sunlight reaches.
- Epipelagic waters are home to colorful coral reefs and floating seaweed.
- Most of the ocean's photosynthesis happens in the epipelagic zone.
- Epipelagic fish like tuna and mackerel live in the sunlit zone of the ocean.