demersal

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈməːs(ə)l/

adjective

  • (chiefly of fish) living close to the floor of the sea or a lake: demersal fishOften contrasted with pelagic.

Origin:

late 19th century: from Latin demersus (past participle of demergere 'submerge, sink', from de- 'down' + mergere 'plunge') + -al