Nautilus pompilius
15cm
0-750m
13 sites
The chambered nautilus is easily recognizable by its smooth, coiled shell, typically displaying a pattern of reddish-brown or orange stripes against a pearly white background. Unlike other cephalopods, the nautilus retains its external shell throughout its life. Its numerous tentacles (up to 90!) lack suckers and are used for grasping food and maneuvering. They have a distinctive hood that can close over the opening of the shell for protection.
Nautilidae
Imagine encountering a living fossil on your next dive! The chambered nautilus, *Nautilus pompilius*, is a captivating cephalopod, a distant cousin of octopuses and squids, that has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. Divers are drawn to their elegant, spiraled shell, often adorned with striking brown and white stripes. Though they can inhabit depths down to 750m, divers typically spot them in shallower reef environments, especially around dusk and dawn when they are most active. These ancient mariners are a rare and special sight, making any encounter a truly memorable experience. Keep an eye out in the South Pacific, around the Great Barrier Reef, and even off Southern Australia; you might just witness this underwater wonder gliding gracefully through the water.