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. They can hold their shells closed with adductors, but that won't keep crustaceans and a hungry sea turtle from cracking the valves open. The borrowing brachiopods are somewhat safer than other brachiopods just because they are harder to find.