The bathyal zone or bathypelagic is the
pelagic zone that extends from a depth of 1000 to 4000 meters below the
ocean surface. It lies between the
mesopelagic above, and the
abyssopelagic below. The average temperature hovers at about 4 degrees Celsius, 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
octopi, 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 bodies. Animals in the bathyal zone aren't threatened by
predators that can see them, so they do not have powerful muscles. There are few plants because of lack of sun, photosynthesis.
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