What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epibenthic
Example
The epibenthic community includes crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins. [epibenthic: adjective]
Example
Epibenthic organisms are adapted to living in shallow waters with high levels of light. [epibenthic: adjective]
demersal
Example
The demersal fish population includes cod, haddock, and flounder. [demersal: adjective]
Example
Demersal species are often caught using bottom trawling methods. [demersal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Demersal is more commonly used than epibenthic in scientific contexts and commercial fishing industries. Epibenthic is a more specific term and is less commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epibenthic and demersal?
Both epibenthic and demersal are formal terms used in scientific contexts and are not commonly used in everyday language.
