Nautilus
Nautilus
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Nautiluses are shelled cephalopods. This account describes the chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius), which lives near Indo-Pacific reef slopes and uses scent to locate food.
Nautilus pompilius, the representative described in this account.
At a glance
- Location
- Chambered nautiluses inhabit waters near Indo-Pacific islands and reef slopes.
- Habitat
- Coast, Coral reef
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Food
- Crustaceans, fish and carrion provide food.
Classification
- Common name
- Nautilus
- Browse group
- Molluscs
- Scientific name or taxon
- Nautilus
- Source classification
- Cephalopoda
Three things to know
- Its shell contains chambers.
- Numerous tentacles surround the mouth.
- It uses scent to locate food.
Habitat and range
Chambered nautiluses inhabit waters near Indo-Pacific islands and reef slopes. They often occupy deeper water and may move shallower at night.
Appearance and adaptations
A coiled outer shell contains a series of chambers, with the animal occupying the newest outer chamber. Numerous tentacles surround the head and help explore the surroundings.
Diet and behaviour
Crustaceans, fish and carrion provide food. A strong sense of smell assists searching in dim water. Water expelled through the funnel produces jet propulsion.
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Nautilus pompilius
- A–Z Animals: Nautilus · Directory entry
Explore molluscs
Browse all molluscs
Molluscs
Giant Clam
Tridacna gigas
The giant clam is a large reef-dwelling bivalve of the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Living
Molluscs
Bigfin Reef Squid
Sepioteuthis lessoniana
The bigfin reef squid lives in warm coastal waters around reefs and seagrass.
Living
LCMolluscs
Giant Pacific octopus
Enteroctopus dofleini
The giant Pacific octopus is the largest octopus.
Living
Molluscs
Cuttlefish
Sepiida
Cuttlefish are shell-bearing cephalopods with remarkable camouflage.
Living