Argonaut Octopus Eggcase Shell
by Gilles Mermet
Title
Argonaut Octopus Eggcase Shell
Artist
Gilles Mermet
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Argonaut octopus eggcase shell. Egg case from a female greater argonaut (Argonauta argo) found in the Indo-Pacific. Argonauts are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase (seen here) that females secrete. This structure is not a true cephalopod shell, but an evolutionary innovation unique to the Argonaut genus. It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy. Argonauts are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This specimen measures 185mm long.
Uploaded
July 21st, 2016
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