The Layers of the Ocean

Kelp

dolphin

Blue marlin

Man-of-war

Flying fish

Scuba diver 100 feet below

Hawksbill turtle

Blue shark

Brain coral 

Manta ray

The sperm whale, which is a mammal, does not stay in one zone. After the sperm whale feeds on squid at around 1,600 feet, it comes to the surface for air.

0–660 feet

The warm, sunny, moving water here is home to most of the ocean’s plants and animals.

660–3,300 feet

Temperatures can be as low as 41°F. Because there’s so little light, many fish in this zone have bioluminescence (body lights) along their bellies and tails to help them find prey and mates. 

Sea pen

Sea squirt

Oarfish

Flashlight fish

Ribbon fish

Sea lily

Viper fish

Giant squid sometimes go to the surface at night. They are the largest invertebrates in the world, and can grow up to 66 feet long!

3,300–13,200 feet

Temperatures are around 35°F. Water pressure can be up to a thousand times as great as on the surface. Very little food exists, so many fish have huge mouths and stomachs that stretch to help them catch and keep whatever comes their way.

Venus flower basket sponge

Gulper eel

Lantern fish and some squid spend days here and go to feed on the surface at night.

13,200–19,800 feet

The abyssal plains cover almost half the deep seafloor. Here, mud made from the skeletons of tiny sea animals and plants accumulates, sometimes piling up more than a mile thick. It is still, dark, and very cold.

A submersible can dive to depths of 15,810 feet with one pilot and two scientists. Much smaller, remote-controlled crafts (with no crew) can operate in the ocean trenches.

Hatchet fish

Tripod fish

Over 19,800 feet

Only specially adapted creatures can survive the intense pressure, cold, scarcity of food, and total darkness.

Brittle star

Deep-sea anemone

Sea cucumber

Deep-sea prawn