Nautilus belauensis

(Saunders, 1981)

Vernacular names
English : Palau nautilus
French : Nautile de Palau

Classification
Class : Cephalopoda
Order : Nautilida
Family : Nautilidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
One of the largest nautilus species, reaching a shell diameter of over 22 cm. Round shell with wide opening closed with an orange-pink (white-spotted) callus. Numerous small tentacles. Shell is white with zig-zag rufous bands.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Pacific Ocean and can only be found around the Micronesian island of Palau. Lives in bottom of shores and coral reefs, down to 400 meters and more.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status hasn’t been assessed but it seems to be common in its small range. Not yet impacted by loss of habitat or climate change.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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