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Cephalopod - the Nautilus Shells
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Captain Nemo's Favorite...
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| There are only two genera of cephalopod mollusks: the pearly or chambered
nautilus (Nautilus) to which the name properly applies; and the paper nautilus (Argonauta),
a cosmopolitan genus related to the octopus. The pearly nautilus (shown above) has a
small, coiled shell that can grow to about ten inches in diameter; it consists of 36
chambers. The Nautilus lives in the last of them. The chambers are connected by a tube
that absorbs gases, allowing the shell to act as a float. The Nautilus swims about the
ocean bottom in search of shrimp or other prey. It uses up to 94 small, suckerless
contracting tentacles for capturing them. Nautilus is the last surviving genus of the
ancient order Nautiloidea, important in paleontology for dating the strata in which it
appears. |
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Polished Nautilus
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Chambered Nautilus, Natural State
Shown above. 6" to 7" diameter. A nice specimen.
No. LS460-N6. Only $14.95
Chambered Nautilus, Natural Half Shell
A Natural Finish Chambered Nautilus has been carefully cut into two halves to
reveal the chamber structure. You receive one of the two halves. 6" -
7". Shown above.
No. LS460-H6. Only $12.95
Chambered Nautilus, Polished
Shown as left. A 6" to 7" Nautilus shell beautifully polished to
reveal the magnificent pearlized shell that hides just under the natural surface color.
No. LS460-P6. Only $17.50 |
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