Slimy-Shelled Alien Spotted Once Again

A generally fat, disk shape, pinhole eyes, shimmery slime covering most of it, and a flap that looks like the arm of a sea star covering a dozen small tentacles… What exactly is this animal?

Allonautilus scrobiculatus, of course, a type of nautilus so rare that it doesn’t even have a common name. It has been sighted recently in Papua New Guinea for the first time in 30 years.

First illustration of internal anatomy of Allonauticus scrobiculatus, 1912 (Public domain)

This remarkably rare species is considered a “living fossil” because it shares similarities with species seen in the fossil record. Today, these bizarre animals are threatened by something that would never be seen in the fossil record, homo sapiens. Specifically, illegal fishing and the trade in nautilus shells are leaving this population vulnerable to extinction.

Chambered Nautilus shells on display at Hoga Island Marine Research Station, Indonesia (S. Soni)

The marine world is genuinely such an alien place. It still amazes me that the organisms seen there are so different, sometimes even in their basic biological functions, from familiar land organisms.

I’ve always loved exploring the ocean, understanding and interacting with this most fascinating of places. Knowing that there are creatures as elusive as this slimy nautilus makes it all the more thrilling!

For more info on this sighting, see here.