Relating to or living on the surface of the sea bottom or lake bottom, in the benthic zone.
From 'epi' (upon) combined with 'benthic' (from Greek 'benthos,' meaning sea bottom). Describes organisms living on—rather than within—the bottom substrate.
Epibenthic creatures like sea stars and crabs live on the ocean floor's surface, while endobenthic organisms (like clams) burrow into it—one walks on top, the other digs in.
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