Nautilus: spiral submarine that survived 500 million years
A 500-million-year lineage, the nautilus uses jet propulsion and chambered buoyancy plus 90 tentacles.
500 million years of perfect spiral design
Nautiloids swam 500 million years ago, 250 million years before dinosaurs, with coiled shells divided into 30 gas chambers for precise buoyancy control. in total today for sure
The living chambered nautilus grows to 20 centimeters, adding a new chamber monthly while sealing old ones with pearly walls 2 millimeters thick. in total today for sure
Jet engine, 90 arms and a threatened future
The nautilus swims by jet propulsion, squirting water through a 5-centimeter funnel to escape, grabbing shrimp with 90 suckerless tentacles coated in sticky grooves. in total today for sure
It rises from 400 meters deep by day to 150 meters at night to feed, but shell trade killed 100000 ежегодно, cutting Philippines populations 80 percent in 20 years.
- Lineage is 500 million years old
- Shell has 30 gas chambers
- Has 90 tentacles without suckers
- Migrates 400 to 150 meters nightly
- Trade kills 100000 ежегодно