Allonautilus scrobiculatus is a rare species that can be distinguishes from the natty Nautilus pompilius by its hairy, slimy shell. That doesn’t seem like a distinction to be proud of, but I guess it takes all types to fill an ocean.
Nautilus pompilius (left) swimming next to a rare Allonautilus scrobiculatus (right) off of Ndrova Island in Papua New Guinea.Peter Ward
I wonder if that trait could ever leave fossil evidence. I wonder how many ammonites familiar to us may too have been hairy and slimy.
Are the scrobiculatus hairy & slimy on their own, or is that a culture of bacteria or something they carry with them?
So its like a shell beard?
I really enjoyed When Hairy Met Slimy. The scene where Meg Nautilus demonstrates “faking it” had me laughing my tentacles off.
You’ll be delighted to learn that your favourite of today has made a Dutch newspaper.
http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2015/08/28/s-werelds-zeldzaamste-zeedier-duikt-na-30-jaar-weer-op/