Aphotic zone

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The aphotic zone is the depth of the ocean that is not exposed to sunlight. The depth of the aphotic zone can be greatly affected by such things as turbidity and the season of the year. The aphotic zone generally underlies the photic zone, which is that portion of the ocean directly affected by sunlight. It is 3000-15000ft deep and the temperatures drop from 43 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Unusual and unique creatures dwell in this expanse of pitch black water, such as the gulper eel, the giant squid, the anglerfish and the sea cucumber.