infauna

[ in-faw-nuh ]

noun

, Ecology.

, plural in·fau·nas, in·fau·nae [in, -faw-nee].

1. the aggregate of animals that burrow into and live in the bottom deposits of an ocean, river, or lake.

infauna

/ ĭn′fô′nə /

1. Benthic animals that live in the substrate of a body of water, especially in a soft sea bottom. Infauna usually construct tubes or burrows and are commonly found in deeper and subtidal waters. Clams, tubeworms, and burrowing crabs are infaunal animals.
2. Compare epifauna

Other Words From

• infaunal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infauna¹

First recorded in 1910–15; in- ¹ + fauna