Pohjamaksu

Pohjamaksu, also known as "bottom feeding," is a term used in ecology and fisheries science to describe the feeding behavior of certain organisms that feed on the bottom of bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. This behavior is common among various aquatic species, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Bottom feeders typically use their mouths or specialized feeding structures to scrape, sieve, or filter food particles from the substrate, which can include sediment, algae, and other organic matter. They often have adaptations such as long, flexible snouts or specialized mouthparts to facilitate this feeding method. Examples of bottom feeders include catfish, clams, and certain species of crabs.

Pohjamaksu is an important ecological process as it helps recycle nutrients and organic material back into the water column, contributing to the overall health and productivity of aquatic ecosystems. It also plays a significant role in the food chain, as bottom feeders serve as a food source for larger predators.

The term "pohjamaksu" is most commonly used in the context of Finnish and Estonian fisheries and ecology, reflecting the importance of bottom feeding in these regions' aquatic environments.