Brachiopods are strictly marine and are usually found in shallow seas.
Few live in deeper waters. Most brachiopods prefer clear waters, but there are a few which prefer brachish waters. Most are epifaunal, using their pedicle to anchor to the substrate while others cement themselves to a rock or to another creature's shell. Echinoderms, crustaceans, gastropods, cephalopods and fish are the predators of brachiopods. Brachiopods, unfortunatly do not have many ways to protect themselves from predators.