Living in a shell nautilus house

 

 

Pearl Farm in China

 

 

 

Nautilus

Nautilus

Nautiluses are only found in the Indo-Pacific, from 30° N to 30° S latitude and 90° to 175° E longitude. They inhabit the deep slopes of coral reefs.

Nautiluses usually inhabit depths of several hundred metres. It has long been believed that nautiluses rise at night to feed, mate and lay eggs, but it appears that, in at least some populations, the vertical movement patterns of these animals are far more complex. The greatest depth at which a nautilus has been sighted is 703 m (N. pompilius). Implosion depth for nautilus shells is thought to be around 800 m. Only in New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, and Vanuatu can nautiluses be observed in very shallow water (at a depth of as little as 5 m). This is due to the cooler surface waters found in these southern hemisphere habitats as compared to the many equatorial habitats of other nautilus populations (these usually being restricted to depths greater than 100 m). Nautiluses generally avoid water temperatures above 25°C.

 

Polished Nautilus

Iridescent white and shiny "Pearly Nautilus" show their beautiful pearlised layer to great effect. These famous "Chambered Nautilus" pearly shells measure approx. 10-13cm (4-5"), beautifully suited for white / off-white shell arrangements or solitary decorative items & individual gifts. Availability is limited.