daTextBox=The benthic environment is the environment at the seafloor. The organisms that live here are called "benthos" and their style of living is described as "benthic." Benthic organisms live near the seafloor, either at the interface between sediment and water, within the sediment but close to the surface, or in the water column just above the ground. Organisms that live within the sediment are called "infauna." They include burrowers like worms that churn and mix the sediment. In the deep ocean, most organisms that are large enough to mix the sediment and be seen by the naked eye are confined to about 15 cm of the sediment surface. Very small organisms like bacteria may exist much further down. Organisms that live on the surface are called "epifauna." They can be attached to the ground like coral or rest on the surface like bottom-dwelling fish. Benthic fish are also called "demersal fish". Examples of demersal fish include cod, croaker, and flatfish such as sole and bat rays. Regardless of depth, some form of life can be found at the seafloor.