Pelagic Zone

What is the Pelagic Zone?

The pelagic zone is the open water area above the benthic zone, extending from the surface to the depths of the ocean or lake. It includes free-swimming organisms, such as fish, plankton, and marine mammals, that inhabit the water column rather than the bottom.

Nekton in the Pelagic Zone

Nekton are animals in the ocean that can swim freely and move against currents, unlike smaller organisms that just drift with the water. In the Pelagic Zone (the open water part of the ocean), nekton include animals like fish, dolphins, sharks, and squids. These animals are strong swimmers and can travel long distances to find food, mates, and avoid predators. Since the Pelagic Zone covers most of the ocean’s surface, nekton play a big role in connecting different parts of the marine ecosystem.