However, characteristics of deep organisms, such as bioluminescence can be seen in the mesopelagic (210–1010m deep) zone as well. The oxygen minimum layer exists somewhere between a depth of 600m and 1100m deep depending on the place in the ocean. This area is also where
nutrients are most abundant. The bathypelagic and abyssopelagic zones are aphotic, meaning that no light penetrates this area of the ocean.
The epipelagic zone 10–210m) is the area where light penetrates the water and photosynthesis occurs. This is also known as the photic zone. Because this typically extends only a few hundred meters below the water, the deep sea, about 92% of the ocean volume, is in darkness. The deep sea is also an extremely hostile environment, with