What are Dominant Animals and Plants in Deep Water Ecosystem?

The deep water ecosystem refers to the aquatic environment found in the depths of the ocean with depths of over 200 meters. Due to the harsh conditions and limited sunlight, the deep water ecosystem is characterized by unique flora and fauna. Let us explore the dominant animals and plants in the deep water ecosystem.

Dominant Animals

Giant Squid: The giant squid is a rare sea monster that is found in the deep water ecosystem. It is one of the largest invertebrates in the world and can grow up to 43 feet long. The giant squid has enormous eyes, which help it to see in the dark.

Anglerfish: The anglerfish is a deep-sea predator that has a specialized appendage on its head that looks like a fishing lure. The anglerfish uses the lure to attract prey towards it, and when they get close enough, it swallows them whole.

Gulper Eel: The gulper eel is a deep-sea fish that lives between depths of 500 to 5,000 meters. It has a large mouth that can expand to twice its size, allowing it to swallow prey much larger than itself.

Dominant Plants

Kelp: Kelp is a large brown seaweed that grows in the shallow waters of the ocean. However, some deep-sea kelp species have been discovered in the deep water ecosystem. Kelp has a unique characteristic of growing rapidly, providing a habitat for various marine species.

Seagrass: Seagrass is a type of flowering plant that thrives in shallow coastal waters. However, deep-sea seagrass has been found in the deep water ecosystem, where they provide a habitat for many invertebrates and fish.

Cold-seep Communities: Cold-seep communities are found on the seafloor and are supported by chemosynthetic bacteria rather than sunlight. They provide a habitat for high biodiversity of fauna, including crabs, tube worms, and mollusks.

Conclusion

The deep water ecosystem is a unique and challenging environment, making it a fascinating area of research for scientists. The dominant animals found in this environment, such as the giant squid, anglerfish, and gulper eel, have unique adaptations that allow them to survive in this harsh environment. On the other hand, the dominant flora, which includes kelp, seagrass, and cold-seep communities, support a diverse ecosystem of marine life in the deep water environment.