Paper Nautilus
Argonauta nodosa
A predator of the open southern ocean temperate waters.
Once found in numbers along exposed southern ocean beaches after winter storms (e.g.
Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula), although they are now rarely seen.
The lightweight paper shell is used by this unusual female octopus as an egg cradle.
Compared to the female, the male is comparatively very small.
CITES Status: Protected
-Pearly or Chambered Nautilus
Nautilus pompilius (complete and cross section)
A predator of the open sub and tropical deep ocean waters.
One of five living species with many fossils recorded around the world.
Not to be confused with extinct ammonites.
The nautilus chambers have evolvad to help with their buoyancy needs, by day at depth, then at night they rise up to hunis for food nearer the surface.
CITES Status: Protected