BIOTIC Species Information for Nymphon spp.
Researched bySean Lindsley-Leake Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameNymphon spp. Common nameA sea spider
MCS CodeQ11 Recent Synonyms

PhylumChelicerata Subphylum
Superclass ClassPycnogonida
Subclass OrderPantopoda
Suborder FamilyNymphonidae
GenusNymphon Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References
General Biology
Growth form Feeding method
Mobility/MovementCrawler
Environmental position
Typical food types HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeVery small(<1cm)
Height Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Jarvis & King, 1978, King & Jarvis, 1970,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland
Global distribution
Biogeographic range Depth range
Migratory   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferences Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonFebruary to March Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential No
Life span1 year Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation time<1 year FecunditySee aditional information
Egg/propagule size0.12mm Fertilization typeInternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential10-100m Larval settlement periodApril
Duration of larval stage1-2 months   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationEggs are initially carried by female before being transferred to male. Fertilisation is thought to take place on the transferal of mature eggs to the male, happens in deeper waters during winter migration. It is possible for two broods per year with early brood maturing in late summer. The male carrys more than one brood, 30-40 eggs are produced by a female, and 300-400 carried by male.
Reproduction References Jarvis & King, 1978, King & Jarvis, 1970, Fish & Fish, 1996,
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