Nymphon is a genus of sea spiders in the family Nymphonidae.[1][2] The species of sea spiders within the genus Nymphon are all benthic organisms and are found in abyssal and bathyal areas of the ocean. This is a fully marine group and can be found at various depths ranging from the littoral zones to the deep sea. They are found in most major oceans across the globe with a strong distribution around polar regions: Arctic and Antarctic waters.[3] Out of the sea spider genus, Nymphon is the most rich, with a majority of the species within the genis being found in the Southern Ocean region.[4] This genus may also contain bioluminescent species.[5]
Sea spiders in general are found all around the globe. The Nymphon genus has been commonly found in waters of higher latitudes and is associated with polar regions and having a more circumpolar distribution than other genus of sea spider. They are extremely abundant within polar regions, with Nymphon having the most species found in polar waters.[6] In relation to the benthos, mainly inhabit marine fauna and are often found around sessile communities.[7]
Generally, it is thought that Nymphon feed on hydroids, actinians, bryozoans, molluscs, annelids, crustaceans, and detritus. They have strong associations with corals and algae. However, feeding behavior in relation to coral and algae has not been observed and there is no current evidence of finding coral or algae material in their gut.[8]
Nymphon is a genus of sea spiders in the family Nymphonidae. The species of sea spiders within the genus Nymphon are all benthic organisms and are found in abyssal and bathyal areas of the ocean. This is a fully marine group and can be found at various depths ranging from the littoral zones to the deep sea. They are found in most major oceans across the globe with a strong distribution around polar regions: Arctic and Antarctic waters. Out of the sea spider genus, Nymphon is the most rich, with a majority of the species within the genis being found in the Southern Ocean region. This genus may also contain bioluminescent species.
