Chambered Nautilus

Nautilus pompilius


Nautilus Sections

All three slices of the nautilus shell together. Although it resembles a snail's shell the nautilus is related to the octopus and squid and swims with jet propulsion, moving closer or farther from the surface by adjusting the gas in its chambers. Can you see why Jules Verne chose to name Captain Nemo's submarine "The Nautilus?"

The Chambered Nautilus lives in the oceans around the Philippines and Palau Islands. Since the shells are filled with gas they will float after the animal dies. Dead shells are found as far away as East Africa and Japan.


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