Nautilus Ventilation

[gjbarord]

Does anyone have any information on Nautilus ventilation? When a nautilus closes its shell is it still able ventilate?? There is no funnel movement outside of the shell and no perceived effluent coming out of the hood.

Greg

 

[robyn]

My feeling is that they do - even with the hood closed, looking behind the eye in the gap b/w shell and hood, you can usually see the mantle moving back and forth, even if the funnel is completely withdrawn. Although I have definitely seen animals appear to stop all signs of breathing for 30 minutes or more. And there hypoxia tolerance is supposed to be really high, so I imagine they could go long periods without breathing if necessary. Have you tried a dye test to track water flow around the hood when its closed?

 

[gjbarord]

I may have to try the dye method. It would make sense that nautilus are able to cease all signs of ventilation ( to the naked eye) given their behavior and habitat. Thanks.

Greg