Small Natural Nautilus Shell

The shell of the chambered nautilus is a symbol of beauty and proportional perfection. The proportion of this nautilus shell is consistent through all of the relationships of the shell, so once you discover the secret ratio, you will see clearly why this particular gem of nature is such a treasure.

Measurements: 4 inches

cephalopod mollusk belonging to the sole surviving genus ( Nautilus ) of a subclass that flourished 200 million years ago, known as the nautiloids. The spirally coiled shell consists of a series of chambers; as the nautilus grows it secretes larger chambers, sealing off the old ones with thin septa. The animal lives in the largest and newest chamber, with a tubular elongation of the body, known as the siphuncle, extending through the septa to the apex of the shell. The siphuncle removes liquid from the chambers and replaces it with gas, giving the animal the buoyancy that permits it to swim (backwards except when feeding), which it accomplishes by ejecting water through a funnel. The nautilus breathes by means of two pairs of gills; it feeds on crabs and other animals, which it catches with its long, slender tentacles (numbering more than 90) that encircle the mouth. There is a thickened area over the head, called the hood, that acts as a protective lid when the animal withdraws into the shell. The nautilus lives in deep water in the S Pacific and Indian oceans. It is active at night, when it seizes crabs and fish as food; during the day it stays hidden in coral crevices. The paper nautilus , which is not a true nautilus, is a close relative of the octopus, belonging to the order Octopoda. The true nautilus is classified in the phylum Mollusca , class Cephalopoda, order Nautilida, family Nautilidae.

Also available in BULK quantities

In keeping a conscientious attitude regarding the environment, the majority of shells we offer are by-products of the seafood industry. They are gathered for their meat and not soley for their beautiful shells. We do not carry specimen shells which are associated with endangered or threatened species. This is the reason that certain shells may become unavailable from time to time....to prevent over gathering. No shells have been collected by a method called "dynamiting".

Every shell shipment is strictly governed and inspected by the US Department of Fish and Wildlife Service prior to its release. Our import partner is well respected by all Fish and Wildlife agents they have worked with over the past 45 years.