Natural Whole Chambered Nautilus Back to Ornamental Shells Index

About Chambered Nautilus Shells

Nautilus Pompilius - Nautilus-Philippines
The Chambered Nautilus has chambers that fill with gas and move the shells from deep in the ocean depths to the surface in seconds. Its secret is unknown as to how it survives the pressure changes so suddenly. When the outer skin is removed it has a Mother of Pearl nacra layer. Much jewelry is cut from that shell.

Argonauta Argo - Paper Nautilus-Taiwan
The Paper Nautilus is not really a living shell but rather a shell to hold eggs. It actually is an egg case to an octopus like an animal (Argo) in the ocean. It is carried by the animal for weeks before the eggs hatch and are released. That is why it is so paper thin. It only needs to last a few weeks. In the spring in the Indian Ocean you can see thousands of these floating which is actually being carried by its mother under the waves. It is quite a sight.