Argonauta shell. X-ray of the shell of a female paper nautilus Argonauta hians (class: Cephalo- poda). The common name 'paper nautilus' describes the shell which is delicate and paper-like; this genus is not directly related to the ancient Nautilus group. The spiral shell forms just one chamber. The shell, found only in females, serves primarily to protect the eggs. The two dorsal arms of the female secretes this beautiful, calcareous, bivalved case. Being boat-shaped it is supported by the arm flaps as the animal floats in warm and temperate oceans. Argonauta hians resembles a floating octopus; jets of water from its mouth funnel propel it along.

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