The Nygeans were a humanoid race that, as of 2377, controlled a region of space in the Delta Quadrant. Nygeans were distinguished by a ridge that went from the top of their foreheads down to their necks. They also had larger ridges on their noses and chins. Their skin was blotched in appearance, and they had pale spots going down the sides of their faces. The Nygeans governed a sector containing several humanoid species, one of which was the Benkarans. The Benkarans, who occupied less than 10% of Nygean space, made up more than 80% of the prisoners in Nygean prisons.