What is macrobenthic?

Macrobenthos are organisms that live on the bottom of aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. They are typically larger than microbenthos and are usually visible to the naked eye. Macrobenthic organisms include a wide variety of invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects, mollusks, and worms, as well as some vertebrates, such as fish and amphibians. They play a key role in maintaining the health and functioning of aquatic ecosystems by cycling nutrients, filtering sediment, and serving as a food source for other organisms. Monitoring the abundance and diversity of macrobenthic communities can be used as an indicator of ecosystem health and water quality.