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Nekton

Nekton are all the organisms that swim in the ocean freely.
   Cruisin' the Ocean

phytoplanktonAnimals that swim or move freely in the ocean are nekton. Nekton come in all shapes and sizes. They live in shallow and deep ocean waters. Most nekton eat zooplankton, other nektons or they scavenge for waste.

 
    Three for the Road
phytoplanktonThere are three types of nekton. The largest group of nekton are chordates and have bones or cartilage. This group includes  bony fish, whales, sharks, turtles, snakes, eels, porpoises, dolphins and seals. Molluscan nekton are animals like octopus and squid. Arthropod nekton are animals like shrimp. Most arthropods are benthos or bottom dwelling organisms.

Other Nekton include:
The Squid and Octopus
Bony Fish
Sharks and Rays
Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales

 


 


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