일반명 : 현생 앵무조개(Chamber nautilus Sea Shells)

학명 : Nautilus pompilius

원산지 : central Philippines

Nautilus shells are Cephalopods in a group including the squid, octopus and cuttlefish. Cephalopods are the most highly evolved mollusks. Chambered Nautilus have a well developed nervous system and highly developed eyes. Surrounding the mouth are many tentacles. The Nautilus are the only cephalopod to have a true external shell. Naturalists, mathematicians and physicists have been fascinated for years by the form of this shell. The spirally coiled, chambered shell is perfectly proportioned mathematically- a remarkable feat of natural engineering. The chambered nautilus seashell moves air through its many chambers to control buoyancy.

The nautilus sea shell is considered a living fossil. It has been traced back 500 million years. These mollusks are carnivorous preying on lobsters, crabs and hermit crabs. They also scavenge the bottom of the ocean for tasty tidbits.

Nautilus shells are most common in the central Philippines. The meat is edible. Fishermen have been known to set traps for chambered nautilus baited with chicken.

In Polynesia the nautilus shell is believed to have the ability to chase away evil spirits. Nautilus seashells are placed over the door or on the roof of houses.

Chambered Nautilus shells once dominated the ancient seas of the world. Now nautilus shells are found in the southwestern Pacific. Dead nautilus shells float as far away as East Africa and Japan.

Chambered Nautilus shells once dominated the ancient seas of the world.  Now nautilus shells are found in the southwestern Pacific.  Dead nautilus shells float as far away as East Africa and Japan