Niphargus are eyeless amphipods, distributed across the freshwater streams of western Europe. The smallest species measures mere millimetres, with the largest reaching up to 3.5 cms. Many species are detritivores or scavengers, with others feeding on algae. They can be found in ground water or caves, in regions that were not covered, historically, be the Pleistocene ice sheets. Many of the species are classified as "vulnerable" as their habitats are small, easily fragmented or polluted.
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