Octopods Nautilids Cuttlefishes Squids and Relatives: Cephalopoda

Physical characteristics: The pearly nautilus lives inside a coiled, snaillike shell that has a distinctive flame-striped color pattern. The shell is divided internally into a series of chambers.

Geographic range: This species is found in the Indo-West Pacific.

Habitat: They prefer to live in habitats with a hard ocean bottom, especially among coral reefs. They swim down to depths of about 2,460 feet (750 meters).

Diet: The nautilus eats bottom-dwelling animals, as well as dead or decaying animal flesh.

The pearly nautilis is harvested for food. Collectors also value their shells. (Illustration by Barbara Duperron. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: They are active mostly at night.

Like other nautiluses, they reproduce repeatedly throughout their adult lives. Females protect their eggs by covering them with irregular shaped coverings. The egg mass is then attached to hard surfaces.

Pearly nautiluses and people: This species is harvested for food. Collectors also value their shells.

Conservation status: The pearly nautilus is not considered threatened or endangered. ∎