5.8" Fossil Nautilus - Madagascar

This is a 5.8" Nautilus (Nautilidae) from Ambatalafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar. This specimen has been worn down and now shows inner shell in all but the deepest recesses. The opening of this specimen has a layer of shell covering a portion of it. This is one of the shell's septa. The hole in the septa is the siphuncle. This allows the animal to move water into an out of the compartments of the shell thus maintaining balance and position.

The shell of a Nautilus is made up of two layers. The inner layer has the iridescent shine while the outer layer provides protection from external forces. Inside the shell are septa which divide the living area of the shell into compartments and help the animal maintain balance and position in the water column.

Nautilus are "living fossils" in that species similar to this one still exist in our oceans.

SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Nautilidae
LOCATION
Ambatalafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
SIZE
5.8" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#108237
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our
specimens. Read more about our
Authenticity Guarantee.