Definition

(Adjective) Of or relating to the open sea, as distinguished from the shallow water near the coast; dwelling on or near the surface of the open sea or ocean; oceanic.

In Context

“The tiny red pelagic crabs came ashore with the high tide this week, scampering across the sands, bobbing in the shallow waters and adding a splash of color to the beachfront.”

Hannah Fry, “Thousands of Fiery Red Crabs Wash Ashore in Newport Beach,” Los Angeles Times, January 22, 2015.