Subnautica is an open-world survival and exploration video game set on an alien planet. This planet known as 4546B is where the player must gather resources, craft tools and manage food, water, and oxygen. The game emphasises exploration and discovering, encouraging players to dive deeper into the ocean to uncover new technologies and secrets.
We’ve gathered the most important information about every aquatic biome, incluiding fauna, flora and corals. For this list we’ve categorised the biomes into: Safe, intermideate, challenging, dangerous and deadly.
Every Aquatic Biome in Subnautica
Safe Shallows
Depth: 0-80 metres
It is the first Biome the player experiences and one of the safest ones. This biome is also the starting point of the subnautica video game, as it is where the lifepod 5 crashes. The Safe Shallows are contained in two separate locations that have the same general look.
A shallow reef area with coral formations and small cave networks beneath the surface. It contains minimal hazards to the player and no predators call this biome home.
However, occasionally, creatures from nearby regions may wander in. The safe shallows are rich in marine life, edible flora and fauna, and easy-to-gather resources.
💡If you ever see a Leviathan in the Safe Shallows, it belongs to a nearby biome, but has wandered to the safer area.
Fauna in the Safe Shallows
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bladderfish | H2O |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Floater | Object Lifting, Bioreacto Fuel |
| Garryfish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Gasopod | Gas Torpedos, Propulsion Cannon |
| Holefish | Emergency Oxygen (if needed), Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Rabbit Ray | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Skyray | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Crashfish | Cannot be used. Explodes when approached.❗ |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Safe Shallows
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Acid Mushroom | Basic Recipes, Food (crafted), decoration. Minor damage acid❗ |
| Blue Palm | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Brain Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Veined Nettle | Basic Recipes, Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Writhing Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Coral Shell Plate | Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Spotted Reeds | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Giant Coral Tubes | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Sulfur Plant | Sulfur. Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Slanted Shell Plate | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Table Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Veined Shell Plate | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Kelp Forest
Depth: 0-160 metres
One of the most diverse biomes due to its wide range of flora and fauna. With a characteristic view due to the Creepvines and its distinctive greenish colour. Primarily inhabited by Stalkers and Hoverfish, found at medium-shallow depths. Populated mostly by passive creatures, with the main exception of Stalkers and Drooping Stingers. The terrain features mossy and sandy seabeds, arches and occasionally small cave entrances, as well as numerous canyons.
Fauna in the Kelp Forest
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bleeder | Bleeder Glands, Bioreactor Fuel, Decoration |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Eyeye | Decoration. Spits projectiles when threatened |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Hoverfish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Rabbit Ray | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Stalker | Metal Salvage, Titanium, Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Kelp Forest
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Creepvine | Wiring kits, Batteries, Silicone Rubber, Decoration |
| Drooping Stingers | Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Membrain Tree | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Brain Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Giant Coral Tubes | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Grassy Plateaus
Depth: 40-200 metres
One of the first biomes the player encounters when playing Subnautica. While exploring, watch out for groups of biters, avoid suspicious sand clouds where Sand Sharks Lurk, and be cautious of Tiger Plants. This biome is rich in resources like quartz, limestone, and sandstone. There are also numerous wrecks scattered throughout the biome, with valuable fragments for technology such as Modification Station and Battery Charger. There are four Grassy Plateaus regions on the map, each containing several Destroyed Lifepods.
Fauna in the Grassy Plateaus
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Biter | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Floater | Object Lifting, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Reginald | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Sand Shark | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Spadefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Grassy Plateaus
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Acid Mushroom | Food, Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Blood Grass | Blood Oil, Decoration |
| Furled Papyrus | Basic recipes, Decoration |
| Redwort | Health Kits, Decoration |
| Tiger Plant | Defensive damage❗ |
| Tree Leech | Bioreactor Fuel, Drains health❗ |
| Veined Nettle | Basic Recipes, Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Violet Beau | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Writhing Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Brain Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Slanted Shell Plate | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Table Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Veined Shell Plate | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Giant Coral Tubes | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Coral Shell Plate | Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Earthen Coral Tubes | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Jordi’s Tung | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Mushroom Forest
Depth: 50-250 metres
The mushroom forest is a group of biomes in subnautica characterised by towering corals known as tree mushrooms. The Northeastern mushroom forest, the smallest area, is near the front of the Aurora and filled with tree mushrooms. Creatures from the bulb zone frequently appear in this area. This makes it more dangerous than the Northwestern forest. Despite other creatures entering this biome, the area is rich in resources, specially in Lithium and Shale Outcrops.
Fauna in the Mushroom Forest
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Ampeel | Bioreactor Fuel, Electrical attacks❗ |
| Boneshark | Bioreactor Fuel, Can guard resource-rich areas. |
| Jellyray | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Mesmer | Bioreactor Fuel, Hypnotic effects on the Player❗ |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Spadefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Mushroom Forest
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Acid Mushroom | Basic Recipes, Food (crafted), decoration. Minor damage acid❗ |
| Grue Cluster | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Pygmy Fan | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Tree Leech | Bioreactor Fuel, Drains health❗ |
| Treespawn | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Veined Nettle | Basic Recipes, Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Writhing Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Sparse Reef
Depth: 20-130 metres
A vast mostly flat biome in subnautica, characterised by green mounds with table corals and bioluminescent flora. All covered by a green-bluish fog, with grassy Plateaus along its borders and near the grand reef. The main dangers of this biome are the groups of tiger plants in deeper areas, which can deal damage to the player. In addition, at depths beyond 200 metres, a haunting, echoing ambiance adds to the scary atmosphere.
Fauna in the Sparse Reef
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Reginald | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Spadefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Sparse Reef
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Eye Stalk | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Navigation Aid |
| Redwort | Health Kits, Decoration |
| Rouge Cradle | Basic recipes, Decoration |
| Spiked Horn Grass | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Tiger Plant | Defensive damage❗ |
| Violet Beau | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Table Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Underwater Islands
Depth: 20-540 metres
A collection of underwater landmasses sustained by the buoyancy of ancient floaters. The largest Islands support diverse life and their own cave systems. This area is rich in resources like Quartz, diamonds, Sandstone and Shale Outcrops, as well as deposits of Uraninite, Silver and Gold.
It also contains a wreck suspended between two islands. However, the high number of bonesharks makes the area dangerous, a constant threat to vehicles like the Seamoth and Prawn suit.
Fauna in the Underwater Islands
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Ancient Floater | Object buoyancy, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Boneshark | Bioreactor Fuel, Can guard resource-rich areas. |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Garryfish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Spadefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
Flora and Corals in the Underwater Islands
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Redwort | Health Kits, Decoration |
| Violet Beau | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Drooping Stingers | Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Earthen Coral Tubes | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Coral Shell Plate | Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Purple Pinecone | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Grand Reef
Depth: 90-570 metres
A deep and challenging biome in subnautica inhabited by a limited range of fauna, including leviathans like the Sea Trader and the Ghost Leviathans. It has several entrances to the Grand Reef Caves. The biome is rich in valuable resources such as Rubies and Gel Sacks, along with other rare materials and fragments, but its dangerous wildlife, depth, and complex terrain make early exploration without proper equipment risky.
The floating island serves as a useful landmark for locating this area.
Fauna in the Grand Reef
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bladderfish | H2O |
| Boneshark | Bioreactor Fuel, Can guard resource-rich areas. |
| Crabsquid | EMP-like electrical discharge ❗ |
| Eyeye | Decoration. Spits projectiles when threatened |
| Mesmer | Bioreactor Fuel, Hypnotic effects on the Player❗ |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Ghost Leviathan | Death ☠️ |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Jellyray | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Sea Treader Leviathan | Fertilizer, Cannot be caught ❗ |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Spinefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Warper | Can wrap the player out of vehicles. |
Flora and Corals in the Grand Reef
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Anchor Pods | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Gel Sack | Aerogel, Decoration |
| Membrain Tree | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Purple Pinecone | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Blood Kelp Zone
Depth: 100-675 metres
Southwest of Lifepod 5 lies the Blood Kelp Zone. Bordered by the Dunes, Sparse Reef, Grassy Plateaus, and Sea Trader’s Path. The biome is formed by a single deep chasm with natural rock bridges, along with a small cave system beneath the Bloodvines where their roots spread. A wreck can be found between the trench walls, and the narrow layout makes it unsuitable for navigating with a cyclops. Valuable resources like gel Sacks are found only in the deepest sections of the biome.
Fauna in the Blood Kelp Zone
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Ampeel | Bioreactor Fuel, Electrical attacks❗ |
| Blighter | Bioreactor Fuel, Bittes❗ |
| Blood Crawler | Group attacks❗ |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Spinefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Warper | Can wrap the player out of vehicles. |
Flora and Corals in the Blood Kelp Zone
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bloodroot | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Bloodvine | Blood Oil, Decoration |
| Deep Shroom | Hydrochloric Acid, Decoration |
| Gabe’s Feather | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Gel Sack | Aerogel, Decoration |
| Ghost Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Bulb Zone
Depth: 140-540 metres
A deep, sandy biome marked by small crevices, overhangs, and a wide variety of blue-purple flora, especially the distinctive Bulb bushes, all covered in a blueish haze that makes dangers harder to detect. It hosts several predators like Bonesharks, and occasionally Mesmers. Reefback Leviathans often drift above. The area also features lava geysers and signs of volcanic activity, along with unusual electrical signatures likely caused by Ampeels. Additionally, two large wrecks containing fragments, a supply crate near the Crash Zone border, and a pair of rare Sea Crowns can be found within this biome.
Fauna in the Bulb Zone
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Ampeel | Bioreactor Fuel, Electrical attacks❗ |
| Boneshark | Bioreactor Fuel, Can guard resource-rich areas. |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Eyeye | Decoration. Spits projectiles when threatened |
| Mesmer | Bioreactor Fuel, Hypnotic effects on the Player❗ |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reaper Leviathan | Bioreactor fuel (If killed), Cannot be caught ❗ |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Warper | Can wrap the player out of vehicles. |
Flora and Corals in the Bulb Zone
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bulb Bush | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Cave Bush | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Ghost Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Pygmy Fan | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Redwort | Health Kits, Decoration |
| Rouge Cradle | Basic recipes, Decoration |
| Sea Crown | Cure items for the Kharaa Bacterial infection. |
| Violet Beau | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Writhing Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Spotted Dockleaf | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Spotted Reeds | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Crag Field
Depth: 45-560 metres
The Crag Field is a deep biome located between the Grand Reef, Crash Zone, and Kelp Forest in Subnautica. It contains jagged rock spikes and undulating stone hills formed over a massive drop-off, giving it a rugged and imposing appearance. The area is rich in resources, featuring numerous mineral nodes and large deposits, but also contains hazards hidden among the rocky terrain. Despite these dangers, pods of reefback Leviathans can often be seen peacefully drifting above the biome.
Fauna in the Crag Field
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Boneshark | Bioreactor Fuel, Can guard resource-rich areas. |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Cave Crawler | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Mesmer | Bioreactor Fuel, Hypnotic effects on the Player❗ |
| Reginald | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Crag Field
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Eye Stalk | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Navigation Aid |
| Pink Cap | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Speckled Rattler | Emits toxic gas when disturbed❗ |
| Tiger Plant | Defensive damage❗ |
Mountains
Depth: 0-560 metres
The Mountains biome is a massive rocky terrain rising from wide, open water with hydrothermal vents, commonly surrounded by Magnetite. It is an extremely dangerous area, home to reaper leviathans, including some near the Mountain Island and at the border with the Mushroom Forest.
Despite the dangerous nature of this biome, there are valuable wrecks to visit such as wreck 5 and wreck 19 in the deeper regions. The mountain island rises above sea level and features underwater cave systems that can be accessed either from below sea level or directly from the shoreline.
Fauna in the Mountains
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Biter | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reginald | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Reaper Leviathan | Bioreactor fuel (If killed), Cannot be caught ❗ |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Warper | Can wrap the player out of vehicles. |
Flora and Corals in the Mountains
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Cave Bush | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Gel Sack | Aerogel, Decoration |
| Ghost Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Spotted Reeds | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Violet Beau | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Brain Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
Dunes
Depth: 65-530 metres
The dunes is a vast biome located west of Lifepod near the edge of the map. It contains three wrecks, one near the Mushroom Forest that appears to have slid down the dunes, and two smaller ones near the Sea Trader’s Path. A large sinkhole lies south of the main wreck, leading to the Dunes Caves where a Cuddlefish egg can be found at the centre. This biome of subnautica also features a massive meteor impact crater near the Northern Blood Kelp Zone.
Fauna in the Dunes
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bladderfish | H2O |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Eyeye | Decoration. Spits projectiles when threatened |
| Cave Crawler | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Garryfish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Gasopod | Gas Torpedos, Propulsion Cannon |
| Hoopfish | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reaper Leviathan | Bioreactor fuel (If killed), Cannot be caught ❗ |
| Reefback Leviathan | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Sand Shark | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shoal of Fish | Cannot be used❗ |
| Spadefish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Rockgrub | Bioreactor Fuel, Illumination in Caves. |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Warper | Can wrap the player out of vehicles. |
Flora and Corals in the Dunes
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Acid Mushroom | Basic Recipes, Food (crafted), decoration. Minor damage acid❗ |
| Furled Papyrus | Basic recipes, Decoration |
| Gel Sack | Aerogel, Decoration |
| Redwort | Health Kits, Decoration |
| Regress Shell | Basic recipes, Decoration |
| Rouge Cradle | Basic recipes, Decoration |
| Sea Crown | Cure items for the Kharaa Bacterial infection. |
| Violet Beau | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Writhing Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Brain Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Slanted Shell Plate | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Crash Zone
Depth: 0-550 metres
Here is where the Aurora Crashed, located on the eastern edge of the map and surrounded by several other biomes. Defined by rocky slopes, sandy trenches, and large amounts of wreckage scattered across the environment. With vast open spaces and the presence of nine Reaper Leviathans, it is one of the most dangerous biomes of subnautica. This biome contains very little fauna and flora, and it is divided in:
- Crash Zone (Main Area): open water, minimal life in a rocky terrain filled with debris.
- Crash Zone (Western): Shallower section behind the Aurora with fewer resources.
- Crash Zone (Eastern): Deeper and wider section containing more supply crates.
- Crash Zone Spit: Raised landmass along the eastern side of the aurora. populated by Skyrays and covered in debris.
Fauna in the Crash Zone
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Bladderfish | H2O |
| Boneshark | Bioreactor Fuel, Can guard resource-rich areas. |
| Boomerang | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Eyeye | Decoration. Spits projectiles when threatened |
| Holefish | Emergency Oxygen (if needed), Bioreactor Fuel |
| Hoverfish | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Peeper | Food, Health Restoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Rabbit Ray | Food, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Reaper Leviathan | Bioreactor fuel (If killed), Cannot be caught ❗ |
| Reginald | Food, Water, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Sand Shark | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Shuttlebug | Bioreactor Fuel |
| Skyray | Cannot be caught or used❗ |
| Stalker | Metal Salvage, Titanium, Bioreactor Fuel |
Flora and Corals in the Crash Zone
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Acid Mushroom | Basic Recipes, Food (crafted), decoration. Minor damage acid❗ |
| Spotted Reeds | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Veined Nettle | Basic Recipes, Decoration. Minor damage❗ |
| Writhing Weed | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Brain Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration, Bioreactor Fuel |
| Giant Coral Tubes | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Slanted Shell Plate | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
| Table Coral | Basic Recipes, Decoration |
Crater Edge
Depth: 0-8192 metres
A massive dormant underwater volcanic caldera roughly 2km wide. This region of subnautica contains no resources and represents an extreme dangerous zone in subnautica. Designed to discourage players from venturing beyond the intended area. inhabited by Adult Ghost Leviathans, one appears when the player first enters the biome, a second one 40 seconds later and a third one 40 seconds after the second one. These creatures actively pursue the player until they return to the craters, at which point they retreat back into the depths of the void.
Fauna in the Crater Edge
| Species | Resource / Uses |
| Ghost Leviathan | Death ☠️ |
Get ready to explore depths of 4546B in Subnautica
Now you have all the information you need to venture into the survival world of Subnautica. Build your base and gather all the resources for your survival. Try your strength against a Leviathan, if you dare, catch all the fish you need to further craft new technologies and energy.
Join us in Gamers.Onlina and find gamers that also play subnautica! Meet other players and complete your gamer CV to track your progress.
Game on!🐟🌊