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The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta. Female argonauts produce a laterally-compressed calcareous eggcase in which they reside.

Paper Nautilus Octopuses

The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic…

The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta. Argonauts use tentacles to grab prey and drag it toward the mouth.

Paper Nautilus Octopuses

The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic…