neuston

[prettygoodword]

neuston - n., the aggregate of all small and microscopic organisms that inhabit the surface of a body of water.


Anything from water striders and mosquito larvae on down. The key being either on top of or attached underneath the surface film. From German, coined from Greek neustos, neuter of swimming, from nein to swim.

---L.

Comments

[janni.livejournal.com]

I love that there's a word for this.

(The Neuston sez: no bottom feeders allowed!)

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Re: no bottom feeders.

*snort*

That is all.

---L.