nautides

Nautides, also known as the Nautiloidea, are a group of marine mollusks characterized by their distinctive spiral shell. The term "nautilus" is often used interchangeably with "nautides," but the latter is the more accurate scientific classification. Nautides are classified under the phylum Mollusca and the class Cephalopoda, which includes squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish. They are known for their complex and intricate shell structure, which is composed of a series of chambers that house the animal's internal organs. The shell is typically coiled in a spiral pattern, with the animal living in the most recently formed chamber. Nautides are found in various marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats. They are known for their ability to swim and change direction quickly, using their siphon and fins. Nautides have a long fossil record, with some species dating back over 400 million years. The most well-known living species is the chambered nautilus, which is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite their ancient lineage, nautides continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike with their unique biology and evolutionary history.