Chambered Nautilus
The Nautilus pompilius, with its iconic spiral shell, glides through Indo-Pacific waters. It thrives in deep reef habitats, skillfully navigating with gas-filled chambers. A nocturnal hunter, it unfurls its tentacles to snare prey, embodying ancient marine elegance and ecological importance.
Blue, White, Silver
Color
10-15
Age of Sexual Maturity
Characteristics
Nautilus pompilius, commonly known as the chambered nautilus, inhabits the deep coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. It features a coiled, multi-chambered shell that aids in buoyancy control. Nautilus is a nocturnal predator, using its numerous tentacles to capture prey such as fish and crustaceans.
Distribution Range of the Chambered Nautilus
The Nautilus pompilius, commonly known as the chambered nautilus, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its geographical distribution includes the waters surrounding the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. It is also found in the Andaman Sea and Western Pacific Ocean islands.
Chambered Nautilus's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Nautilus pompilius typically inhabits deep ocean waters, ranging from 100 to 500 meters in depth. These environments are characterized by cool temperatures, around 9-16°C, with a high-pressure environment suited to its buoyancy control using its shell chambers. The species is known to ascend to shallower waters during the night for feeding.
Ecological Niche
The chambered nautilus occupies a niche as a scavenger and opportunistic predator. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, and carrion. Its shell provides buoyancy and protection, allowing it to navigate the deep ocean environment efficiently. The nautilus is an important part of the marine ecosystem, contributing to the nutrient cycle as both predator and prey.
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