Nautilus

Nautilus is a genus of marine mollusks in the family Nautilidae, class Cephalopoda. They are the sole living family of the superfamily Nautilaceae and of its smaller but near equal suborder, Nautilina.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Nautiluses are among the less-evolved cephalopods, a group that includes the most complex and intelligent of the mollusks. The nautilus is the only cephalopod that has a fully developed shell for protection. The animal can withdraw completely into its shell and close the opening with a leathery hood formed from two specially folded tentacles.

Habitat[edit | edit source]

Nautiluses usually inhabit the deep slopes of coral reefs. They inhabit different depths of water, with the adults found at greater depths than the young. Nautiluses are found in only the Indo-Pacific, from 30° N to 30° S latitude and 90° E to 175° E longitude.

Reproduction[edit | edit source]

Nautiluses reproduce by laying eggs. The female nautilus produces a large number of eggs, up to 12 per clutch, which are laid on the sea floor and attached to rocks or coral.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

The nautilus is a protected species in many countries due to its slow growth and breeding rates. Overfishing has caused a decline in nautilus populations in some areas.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

National Geographic - Nautilus

Nautilus Resources
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