zoobenthoshttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoobenthos_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoobenthos, n.
Revised 2017

zoobenthosnoun

  1. 1923–
    The aquatic fauna of the region at or near the bottom of the sea; the animal component of the benthic community.
    1. 1923
      [Mr James Chumley] continued his discussion of the animals of the ocean and dealt with the bottom-living fauna, or zoobenthos.
      Glasgow Herald 19 March 6
    2. 1964
      Other organisms listed include zooplankton, phytobenthos, zoobenthos, and fishes.
      Oceanography & Marine Biology vol. 2 127 (caption)
    3. 2015
      The zoobenthos is often differentiated on the basis of feeding types.
      R. Darnell, American Sea x. 158

Originally published as part of the entry for zoo-, comb. form

zoo-, comb. form was revised in June 2017.