Nautilus pompilius pompilius

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Chambered Nautilus
French : Nautile commun

Classification
Class : Cephalopoda
Order : Nautilida
Family : Nautilidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 20 cm in shell diameter but some specimens can be bigger. Spiraled and chambered shell with the opening sheltered by a solid white-spotted hood. Shell coloration is white with conspicuous reddish-black bands.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the INdo-Pacific area from the Andaman Sea to south Japan, south to the Great Barrier reef. The other subspecies is endemic to Sulu Sea. 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 has yet to be assessed. It seems to be common within its large range. It is occasionally collected for the aquarium trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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