nutilus

Nautilus is a genus of marine cephalopods belonging to the family Nautilidae. They are often referred to as "living fossils" due to their ancient lineage, with fossils dating back over 500 million years. Nautilus species are characterized by their distinctive external shell, which is divided into chambers. The animal lives in the outermost chamber, while the other chambers are progressively filled with gas or liquid, allowing the nautilus to control its buoyancy.

These fascinating creatures are native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting the deep waters of coral reefs and continental shelves. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Their hunting method involves using their numerous tentacles, which can extend from their shell, to capture prey.

Nautilus reproduction is slow, with females laying relatively few eggs. The larval stage is also prolonged. Due to their slow reproductive rate and vulnerability to overfishing, some nautilus species are considered endangered. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these unique marine animals. The most well-known species is the Chambered Nautilus, Nautilus pompilius.