FaunaHub
Depth zone0–200 m

Sunlight Zone

Epipelagic zone

The ocean's topmost layer, where enough sunlight reaches for photosynthesis. It holds most of the sea's plant-like life and the majority of familiar marine animals.

Conditions in this zone

  • Depth: roughly 0–200 metres
  • Sunlight: abundant — enough for photosynthesis
  • Temperature: the warmest ocean layer, varying with latitude and season
  • The most productive and biodiverse part of the open ocean

Life of the sunlight zone

Most animals people picture in the sea live here, from reef fish and rays to dolphins, sea turtles, and the great whales that feed in productive surface waters.

Animal profiles in this zone

Marine animals FaunaHub profiles that are documented in this zone. Many also occur in other layers.

Source & methodology

Zone science here is summarised from authoritative ocean-science sources. Animal placements reuse each species' verified source and show a confidence label; a depth zone is not treated as a complete range, since many animals move between layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the sunlight zone?
The sunlight zone (epipelagic zone) spans roughly 0–200 m.
Do these animals live only in the sunlight zone?
Not necessarily. Many marine animals move between depth zones, some migrating vertically each day. We show the zone(s) each animal is documented to occur in, with a confidence label.

Last updated: