Bathyal zone
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The bathyal zone or bathypelagic is the pelagic zone that extends from a depth of 1000 to 2000 meters below the ocean surface. It lies between the mesopelagic above, and the abyssopelagic below. The average temperature hovers at about 4 degrees centigrade, or 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Although larger by volume than the Euphotic zone, the bathyal zone is less densely populated. Sunlight does not reach this zone, meaning there can be no primary production. It is known as the midnight zone because of this feature. Because of the lack of light, some species do not have eyes, but one of the species that does is the viperfish. Many forms of nekton live in the bathyal zone, such as squid, large whales, and octopus, but this zone is difficult for fish to live in. Sponges, brachiopods, sea stars, and echinoids are also common in the bathyal zone. The fish in this zone have become very energy efficient since it is especially hard to find nutrients. Many have slow metabolic rates, to conserve energy. The fish here have weak muscles, soft skin and slimy bodys. Animals in the bathyal zone aren't threatened by predators that can see them, so they do not have powerful muscles.
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