Aphotic Zone - The Ocean

The Ocean

Depending on how the zone is defined, the aphotic zone of the ocean begins between depths of roughly 200 m (660 ft) or 1,000 m (3,300 ft), and extends to the ocean floor. Temperatures can range from roughly 0 °C (32 °F) to 6 °C (43 °F). Unusual and unique creatures dwell in this expanse of pitch black water, such as the gulper eel, the giant squid, the anglerfish, and the vampire squid.

The aphotic zone is further divided into additional zones: the bathyal zone, the abyssal zone, and the hadal zone. The bathyal zone extends from 200 metres (656 ft) to 2,000 metres (6,562 ft). The abyssal zone extends from 2,000 metres (6,562 ft) to 6,000 metres (19,685 ft). The hadal zone spans from depths of 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) to the ocean floor. Creatures in these areas must be able to live in complete darkness.