The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the family Argonautidae) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin egg-case 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. It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy. No artist credited, undated. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / NYPL / Science Source |
Taille de l’image : | 4050 px × 3302 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |