The assemblage of pelagic animals that swim freely, independent of water motion or wind. Only three phyla are represented by adult forms. Chordate nekton include numerous species of bony fishes, the cartilaginous fishes such as the sharks, several species of reptiles (turtles, snakes, and saltwater crocodiles), and mammals such as the whales, porpoises, and seals. Molluscan nekton include the squids and octopods. The only arthropod nekton are decapods, including shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. Nektonic species are limited in their areal and vertical distributions by the barriers of temperature, salinity, nutrient supply, and type of sea bottom. The number of nektonic species and individuals decreases with increasing depth in the ocean.
Source: Taken from Encyclopaedia Britannica 2002