1. A fish that lives and feeds on the bottom of a body of water
   "Catfish are well-known bottom feeders in freshwater ecosystems";
   - bottom-feeder, bottom-dweller
    
2. A scavenger that feeds low on the food chain
   "Vultures and hyenas are bottom feeders of the African plains";
   - bottom-feeder
    
3. An opportunist who profits from the misfortunes of others
   "The bottom feeder bought up foreclosed homes at rock-bottom prices";
   - bottom-feeder

Derived forms: bottom feeders, bottom-feeders

Type of: chancer [Brit, informal], fish, opportunist, scavenger, self-seeker

Encyclopedia: Bottom feeder