Skip to main content
Unsupported Browser Detected

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Mail |
SITE INDEX
CONTACT US
Close Promo Banner
NOAA Fisheries Home Logo
Menu
  • Find A Species
      • Find a Species
      • Managed Species
      • Highly Migratory Species
      • Invertebrates
      • Salmon & Steelhead
      • Sharks
      • Protected Species
      • All Threatened & Endangered Species
      • Corals & Other Invertebrates
      • Dolphins & Porpoises
      • Fish & Sharks
      • Sea Turtles
      • Seals & Sea Lions
      • Whales
      • Species By Region
      • Alaska
      • New England/Mid-Atlantic
      • Pacific Islands
      • Southeast
      • West Coast
      • Helpful Resources
      • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
      • Marine Life in Distress
      • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
      • Species in the Spotlight
  • Fishing & Seafood
      • Sustainable Fisheries
      • Bycatch
      • Catch Shares
      • Fishery Observers
      • Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing
      • Magnuson-Stevens Act
      • Population Assessments
      • Resources for Fishing
      • Commercial Fishing
      • Recreational Fishing
      • Subsistence Fishing
      • Fishery Management Info
      • Permits & Forms
      • Rules & Regulations by Region
      • Sustainable Seafood
      • Aquaculture
      • Commerce & Certification
      • Seafood Inspection
      • Trade
      • Related Topics
      • Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
      • Cooperative Research
      • Enforcement
      • Financial Services
      • International Affairs
      • Science & Data
      • Socioeconomics
  • Protecting Marine Life
      • Endangered Species Conservation
      • Consultations
      • Critical Habitat
      • Endangered Species Act
      • Population Assessments
      • Species Recovery
      • Species in the Spotlight
      • Marine Mammal Protection
      • Health & Stranding Response
      • Marine Mammal Protection Act
      • Population Assessments
      • Take Reduction Plans
      • Marine Life in Distress
      • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
      • Bycatch
      • Ocean Acoustics/Noise
      • Unusual Mortality Events
      • Vessel Strikes
      • Related Topics
      • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
      • Enforcement
      • Funding Opportunities
      • International Cooperation
      • Permits & Authorizations
      • Regulations & Actions
      • Science & Data
  • Environment
      • Ecosystems
      • U.S. Regional Ecosystems
      • Management
      • Science
      • Habitat Conservation
      • Habitat Restoration
      • Habitat Protection
      • Types of Habitat
      • Habitat by Region
      • Science
      • Consultations
      • Climate
      • Understanding the Impacts
      • Responding to Change
  • Regions
      • Our Regions
      • Alaska
      • New England/ Mid-Atlantic
      • Pacific Islands
      • Southeast
      • West Coast
      • Contact Us
      • Regional Offices
      • Science Centers
  • Resources & Services
      • Rules & Regulations
      • Fisheries Rules & Regs
      • Fisheries Management Info
      • Protected Resources Regs & Actions
      • Permits
      • Fishing & Seafood
      • Protected Resources
      • International & Trade
      • Funding & Financial Services
      • Funding Opportunities
      • Financial Services
      • Prescott Grants
      • Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants
      • Habitat Restoration Grants
      • Consultations
      • Habitat
      • Endangered Species
      • Tribal
      • Science & Data
      • Research
      • Surveys
      • Data
      • Maps & GIS
      • Publications
      • Published Research
      • Key Reports
      • Documents
      • Publication Databases
      • Laws & Policies
      • Magnuson-Stevens Act
      • Endangered Species Act
      • Marine Mammal Protection Act
      • Policies
      • Outreach & Education
      • For Educators
      • For Students
      • Educational Materials
      • Events
  • About Us
      • NOAA Fisheries
      • Our Mission
      • Who We Are
      • Where We Work
      • Our History
      • News & Media
      • News & Announcements
      • Bulletins
      • Multimedia
      • Science Blogs
      • Events
      • Video Gallery
      • Careers & More
      • Internships
      • Volunteering & Citizen Science
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Contact Us
      • National Program Offices
      • Regional Offices
      • Science Centers
      • Our Partners
      • Regional Fishery Management Councils
      • Marine Fishery Advisory Committee
      • Federal Partners
      • State Partners
      • Tribal Governments
      • Non-Government Organizations
    • Find A Species
        Back
        Find A Species
          Find a Species
        • Managed Species
        • Highly Migratory Species
        • Invertebrates
        • Salmon & Steelhead
        • Sharks
          Protected Species
        • All Threatened & Endangered Species
        • Corals & Other Invertebrates
        • Dolphins & Porpoises
        • Fish & Sharks
        • Sea Turtles
        • Seals & Sea Lions
        • Whales
          Species By Region
        • Alaska
        • New England/Mid-Atlantic
        • Pacific Islands
        • Southeast
        • West Coast
          Helpful Resources
        • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
        • Marine Life in Distress
        • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
        • Species in the Spotlight
    • Fishing & Seafood
        Back
        Fishing & Seafood
          Sustainable Fisheries
        • Bycatch
        • Catch Shares
        • Fishery Observers
        • Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported Fishing
        • Magnuson-Stevens Act
        • Population Assessments
          Resources for Fishing
        • Commercial Fishing
        • Recreational Fishing
        • Subsistence Fishing
        • Fishery Management Info
        • Permits & Forms
        • Rules & Regulations by Region
          Sustainable Seafood
        • Aquaculture
        • Commerce & Certification
        • Seafood Inspection
        • Trade
          Related Topics
        • Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
        • Cooperative Research
        • Enforcement
        • Financial Services
        • International Affairs
        • Science & Data
        • Socioeconomics
    • Protecting Marine Life
        Back
        Protecting Marine Life
          Endangered Species Conservation
        • Consultations
        • Critical Habitat
        • Endangered Species Act
        • Population Assessments
        • Species Recovery
        • Species in the Spotlight
          Marine Mammal Protection
        • Health & Stranding Response
        • Marine Mammal Protection Act
        • Population Assessments
        • Take Reduction Plans
          Marine Life in Distress
        • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
        • Bycatch
        • Ocean Acoustics/Noise
        • Unusual Mortality Events
        • Vessel Strikes
          Related Topics
        • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
        • Enforcement
        • Funding Opportunities
        • International Cooperation
        • Permits & Authorizations
        • Regulations & Actions
        • Science & Data
    • Environment
        Back
        Environment
          Ecosystems
        • U.S. Regional Ecosystems
        • Management
        • Science
          Habitat Conservation
        • Habitat Restoration
        • Habitat Protection
        • Types of Habitat
        • Habitat by Region
        • Science
        • Consultations
          Climate
        • Understanding the Impacts
        • Responding to Change
    • Regions
        Back
        Regions
          Our Regions
        • Alaska
        • New England/ Mid-Atlantic
        • Pacific Islands
        • Southeast
        • West Coast
          Contact Us
        • Regional Offices
        • Science Centers
    • Resources & Services
        Back
        Resources & Services
          Rules & Regulations
        • Fisheries Rules & Regs
        • Fisheries Management Info
        • Protected Resources Regs & Actions
          Permits
        • Fishing & Seafood
        • Protected Resources
        • International & Trade
          Funding & Financial Services
        • Funding Opportunities
        • Financial Services
        • Prescott Grants
        • Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants
        • Habitat Restoration Grants
          Consultations
        • Habitat
        • Endangered Species
        • Tribal
          Science & Data
        • Research
        • Surveys
        • Data
        • Maps & GIS
          Publications
        • Published Research
        • Key Reports
        • Documents
        • Publication Databases
          Laws & Policies
        • Magnuson-Stevens Act
        • Endangered Species Act
        • Marine Mammal Protection Act
        • Policies
          Outreach & Education
        • For Educators
        • For Students
        • Educational Materials
        • Events
    • About Us
        Back
        About Us
          NOAA Fisheries
        • Our Mission
        • Who We Are
        • Where We Work
        • Our History
          News & Media
        • News & Announcements
        • Bulletins
        • Multimedia
        • Science Blogs
        • Events
        • Video Gallery
          Careers & More
        • Internships
        • Volunteering & Citizen Science
        • Diversity & Inclusion
          Contact Us
        • National Program Offices
        • Regional Offices
        • Science Centers
          Our Partners
        • Regional Fishery Management Councils
        • Marine Fishery Advisory Committee
        • Federal Partners
        • State Partners
        • Tribal Governments
        • Non-Government Organizations
Species Directory

Chambered Nautilus

Overview Conservation & Management Science Resources

Chambered Nautilus

Nautilus pompilius

640x427-chambered-nautilus.png

Protected Status

ESA Threatened
Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix II
Throughout Its Range

Quick Facts

Weight
Can reach over 2 pounds
Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Length
Shell typically 5 to 9 inches at maturity
Threats
Overfishing, Habitat degradation, Climate change
Region
Pacific Islands
See Regulatory Actions
750x500-nautilus.jpg

About The Species

Nautiluses are cephalopods—a kind of mollusk. Cephalopod means "headfoot" which reflects their relatively complex brain and the numerous tentacles. Nautiluses are related to squids and octopuses, but are easily differentiated by their distinctive, ornate, coiled shells. 

Although their taxonomy is poorly resolved, the nautilus family, Nautilidae, is currently considered to include seven species in two genera, Nautilus and Allonautilus, all which share the common name, chambered nautilus. 

The chambered nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, is a highly vulnerable species because of its life history characteristics, including low reproductive rates, slow growth, and late maturity. This species is thought to occur in small, isolated populations throughout its range. They are also limited by both depth and temperature tolerances. They have multiple predators, including sharks, bony fishes, and octopuses.

Chambered nautiluses are primarily targeted for their shells, which are sold commercially and traded internationally for use in art, furniture, jewelry, and other items. 

In 2018, NOAA Fisheries listed the chambered nautilus as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Protected Status

ESA Threatened

  • Throughout Its Range

CITES Appendix II

  • Throughout Its Range

Appearance

Nautiluses are known for their beautiful, coiled shells. The shell can range in color, from white to orange, and even purple, with unique color patterns. Protruding from the shell are more than 90 suckerless tentacles.

Behavior and Diet

The soft-bodied nautilus lives inside a hard, chambered shell. It uses the chambers to pump air and water in and out of its shell, creating jet propulsion to thrust itself backwards and to make turns. 

They possess a siphon tube, known as a hyponome, which runs the length of the shell. The hyponome allows the nautilus to control its buoyancy by regulating air and water in the shell chambers.

Nautiluses are hunters and pick up food scents in the water column with chemosensors on their tentacles. They consume animals such as fish, crabs, and lobsters with their sharp, beak-like mouth.

Where They Live

Chambered nautilus are mainly found in the western Pacific Ocean and coastal areas of the Indian Ocean. They can also be found in waters off of the American Samoa.

Lifespan & Reproduction

Unlike other cephalopods, nautiluses are relatively long-lived, reaching ages of 15 to 20 years, or more.

They grow slowly, maturing around 10 to 15 years of age, and produce a small number of eggs that require at least a year-long incubation period.

Threats

The primary threats to nautiluses include:

  • Targeted, market-driven harvest for international trade in their shells.
  • Habitat degradation throughout much of their range.

Given their slow growth, late maturity, low reproductive output, and low mobility, chambered nautiluses are particularly vulnerable to overfishing.  

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Cephalopoda
Order Nautilida
Family Nautilidae
Genus Nautilus
Species pompilius

In the Spotlight

Management Overview

The chambered nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. 

In addition, all chambered nautiluses are vulnerable to international trade and are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. All seven species, in two genera Nautilus and Allonautilus, are listed under CITES.


Conservation Efforts

At the 2016 meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Parties agreed to include the entire nautilus family of chambered nautilus in Appendix II of CITES. The United States—joined by Fiji, India, and Palau—submitted the proposal for consideration (PDF, 31 pages) at the meeting.

A global treaty, CITES protects species from becoming endangered or extinct because of international trade. The inclusion of the family Nautilidea in CITES Appendix II will help ensure that the international trade in these species is legal and sustainable. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the government agency designated under the Endangered Species Act to carry out the provisions of CITES. NOAA Fisheries provides guidance and scientific support on marine issues given our technical expertise. Learn more about U.S. FWS efforts under CITES for the chambered nautilus.


Key Actions and Documents

Actions & Documents Incidental Take

Determination on the Designation of Critical Habitat for Chambered Nautilus

We, NOAA Fisheries, have determined that a designation of critical habitat for the chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) is not prudent at this time. Based on a comprehensive review of the best scientific data available, we find that there are no…
  • Notice (85 FR 5197, January 29, 2020)
  • Bibliography for Chambered Nautilus Critical Habitat Determination
Notice
,
Pacific Islands
Published
January 29, 2020

Listing of Chambered Nautilus Under the Endangered Species Act

We, NOAA Fisheries, announce a final rule to list the chambered nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have reviewed the status of the chambered nautilus, including efforts being made to protect this…
  • Final Rule (83 FR 48976, September 28, 2018)
  • Proposed Rule (82 FR 48948, October 23, 2017)
  • 90-day Finding (81 FR 58895, August 26, 2016)
  • Chambered Nautilus Endangered Species Act Status Review Report (2018)
  • Petition (2016)
Final Rule
,
Pacific Islands
Effective
October 29, 2018

More Information

  • Fact Sheet: Proposal to Include the Family Nautilidae in CITES Appendix II
  • Listing Species Under the Endangered Species Act
  • U.S. FWS - Nautilus
  • International Affairs

Science Overview

NOAA's Role in Nautilus Research

NOAA Fisheries has collaborated for several years with other countries and researchers to study the distribution and biology of these iconic species. NOAA Fisheries has also helped fund studies about the extent and impact of international trade on these species. TRAFFIC and the World Wildlife Fund published a 2016 study that investigated the trade of chambered nautilus in the range countries of Indonesia and the Philippines and in major consumer markets to determine if trade is a threat to this species. The study called for better monitoring of the international nautilus trade. Read the report: An Investigation into the Trade of Nautilus (PDF, 113 pages). 

A 2014 study compared nautilus populations in the Philippines, Australia, Fiji, and American Samoa and explored the potential impact of fishing on population abundance. Read the report: Comparative Population Assessments of Nautilus sp. in the Philippines, Australia, Fiji, and American Samoa Using Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems.

NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also held a workshop in June 2014 that brought together experts in the study of chambered nautiluses to share and discuss the available biological information and trade data. Read the report: Chambered Nautilus Experts Workshop Report Summary (PDF, 307KB). 

______________________________

An international research team traveled to the Indo-Pacific to explore the deep ocean in search of nautiluses, one of the most ancient living creatures on Earth. Watch some of the footage that was captured.

     

    More Information

    • International Research Suggests Nautilus May be in Trouble

    Documents

    Document

    Endangered Species Act Status Review Report: Chambered Nautilus

    ESA status review for the Chambered Nautilus (Nautilus pompilius).

    Pacific Islands
    Document

    Proposal for Consideration to Include the Family Nautilidae in CITES Appendix II

    The United States, along with Fiji, India, and Palau, submitted a proposal for consideration at the…

    Pacific Islands
    More Documents
    Scroll to Top Icon
    Sign up for our newsletter
    Stay informed of all the latest regional news around NOAA Fisheries
    Sign Up Now!
    • NOAA Fisheries
      • About Us
      • Laws & Policies
      • FishWatch
      • NOAA
      • Department of Commerce
      • Site Index
    • For Researchers
      • Published Research
      • Science & Data
    • Contact Us
      • Contact Us
      • Media Inquiries
      • Report a Violation
      • Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal
      • NOAA Staff Directory
    Follow Us
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Instagram
    Youtube
    Can't Find What You Need?
    Tour Our Site
    How are we doing? Send us your feedback
    NOAA Logo
    Science. Service. Stewardship.
    Accessibility
    |
    EEO
    |
    FOIA
    |
    Information Quality
    |
    Policies & Disclaimer
    |
    Privacy Policy
    |
    USA.gov