Bellybutton Nautilus
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| iBellybutton Nautilus | ||||||||||||||
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 Nautilus macromphalus shell
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Data deficient (DD)
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| Nautilus macromphalus Sowerby, 1848 |
The Bellybutton Nautilus (Nautilus macromphalus) is a species of nautilus native to the waters around New Caledonia. The shell of this species lacks a callus, leaving the umbilicus exposed, in which the inner coils of the shell are visible. This opening constitutes approximately 15% of the shell diameter at its widest point. Like all Nautilus species, N. macromphalus usually lives at depths of several hundred metres. However, it has been reported that in some areas of southern New Caledonia, individuals rise at night to much shallower water (<20 m) in order to feed. The tentacles of this species are long and thin, having raised ridges which help provide grip when catching prey. N. macromphalus is the smallest species of nautilus. The shell is usually up to around 16 cm in diameter, although the largest specimen ever recorded measured 180 mm.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Pisor, D. L. (2005). Registry of World Record Size Shells, 4th edition, Snail's Pace Productions and ConchBooks, p. 93.
- Norman, M. 2000. Cephalopods: A World Guide. Hackenheim, ConchBooks, p. 30.
[edit] External links
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