The Winged Argonaut, Paper Nautilus, Brown Paper Nautilus, or Brown Argonaut ( Argonauta hians) is a fascinating species of pelagic octopus known for its unique shell-building behavior. This remarkable creature, a member of the family Argonautidae, inhabits the open ocean, making it a captivating inhabitant of the Pelagial marine zone.
Description & Characteristics
The Argonauta hians is a relatively small octopus, with females reaching a maximum size of around 20 centimeters. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning males are significantly smaller than females. The most distinctive feature of the female Argonauta hians is its delicate, paper-thin shell, which it constructs and uses for buoyancy and protection. This shell, often referred to as a “paper nautilus” shell, is not a true internal shell like those found in other cephalopods but is secreted by specialized glands on the female’s dorsal arms. The shell’s unique structure and its delicate, translucent appearance have made it a popular object of fascination for centuries.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Argonauta hians is a pelagic species, meaning it lives in the open ocean, inhabiting the water column. It’s found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, often drifting along with ocean currents. The distribution of this intriguing creature is primarily influenced by the availability of its preferred prey items, as well as suitable water temperatures.
Taxonomy
The Argonauta hians belongs to the Class: Cephalopoda, Order: Octopoda, and Family: Argonautidae. This classification highlights its position within the broader group of cephalopods, which includes squid, cuttlefish, and other octopuses. The family Argonautidae specifically encompasses species that are known for their shell-building behavior.
Feeding
The Argonauta hians is a carnivorous predator that feeds primarily on jellyfish and other small, soft-bodied invertebrates. Its diet, like its habitat, is intricately linked to its pelagic lifestyle. The octopus hunts by using its arms to capture prey, often employing a venomous bite to subdue its victims.
Image References