nautilus

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nautilus (chambered nautilus) cephalopod mollusc found in w Pacific and e Indian Oceans at depths down to 200m (660ft). Its large, coiled shell divides into numerous, gas-filled chambers, which give it buoyancy. The foremost chamber contains the body. Its head has 60–90 retractable, thin tentacles without suckers, and it moves by squirting water from a funnel. Shell size c.25cm (10in). Family Nautilidae; genus Nautilus.

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