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Global Animal Guide

Chambered Nautilus: Key Facts

Chambered nautilus with a spiral striped shell and many small tentacles in dark water

Quick answer

Chambered Nautiluss (Nautilus pompilius) are invertebrates found across multiple regions. The living-fossil cephalopod in a spiral shell. Adults typically weigh roughly 1.3 kg (3 lb), reach speeds of Slow; drifts by gentle jet propulsion, and live 15–20 years. They feed on carnivore and scavenger (shrimp, crabs, carrion) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Andaman Sea to the waters around Australia and Fiji.

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Key takeaway

Chambered Nautiluss (Nautilus pompilius) are invertebrates found across multiple regions. The living-fossil cephalopod in a spiral shell. Adults typically weigh roughly 1.3 kg (3 lb), reach speeds of Slow; drifts by gentle jet propulsion, and live 15–20 years. They feed on carnivore and scavenger (shrimp, crabs, carrion) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Andaman Sea to the waters around Australia and Fiji.

Chambered Nautilus overview

Chambered Nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) is a invertebrate listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 1.3 kg; lifespan around 15–20 years.

Chambered Nautilus ecology

Diet: Carnivore and scavenger (shrimp, crabs, carrion). Habitat: Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Chambered Nautiluss and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild chambered nautiluss are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Chambered Nautilus profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Chambered Nautiluses inhabit Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Andaman Sea to the waters around Australia and Fiji. Their preferred habitat includes deep reef slopes of the tropical indo-pacific, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-t

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult chambered nautiluses typically measure about 0.25 m in length and weigh roughly 1.3 kg (3 lb). They can sprint at Slow; drifts by gentle jet propulsion when hunting or escaping predators. Chambered Nautiluss are known for the living-fossil cephalopod in a spiral shell — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Chambered Nautilus FAQs

What are key facts about chambered nautiluss?

Chambered Nautiluss (Nautilus pompilius) are invertebrates found across multiple regions. The living-fossil cephalopod in a spiral shell. Adults typically weigh roughly 1.3 kg (3 lb), reach speeds of Slow; drifts by gentle jet propulsion, and live 15–20 years. They feed on carnivore and scavenger (shrimp, crabs, carrion) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Andaman Sea to the waters around Australia and Fiji.

What is the scientific name of the chambered nautilus?

Nautilus pompilius — used in research and conservation listings for chambered nautiluss.

What do chambered nautiluss eat?

Chambered Nautiluss eat shrimp, crabs, carrion, with seasonal and regional variation in Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where do chambered nautiluss live?

They are associated with Deep reef slopes of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of chambered nautiluss?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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