MesopelagialÖkosystemen

The Mesopelagic zone, also known as the twilight zone, is the layer of the ocean between 200 and 1,000 meters (660 and 3,300 feet) deep. It is characterized by dim light, where sunlight can penetrate but is not strong enough for photosynthesis. This lack of light significantly influences the types of organisms that inhabit this region.

Life in the mesopelagic zone is adapted to low light conditions and the immense pressure. Many creatures here possess bioluminescence, the ability to produce their own light. This can be used for communication, attracting prey, or evading predators. Common inhabitants include various species of fish, such as lanternfish, bristlemouths, and hatchetfish, as well as some crustaceans and cephalopods.

The mesopelagic zone plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, acting as a significant sink for atmospheric carbon. Organisms here consume organic matter that sinks from the upper layers, a process known as the biological pump. Many mesopelagic animals undertake vertical migrations, ascending to shallower waters at night to feed and returning to the depths during the day to avoid predators. This daily migration is one of the largest biomass movements on Earth. Despite its importance, the mesopelagic zone remains one of the least explored regions of the ocean due to the challenges of studying it at such depths.