The Palau nautilus (Nautilus belauensis) is a living fossil found in the waters of Palau, cruising depths of 150–300 meters (492–984 feet) where temperatures stay a cool 16.6°C (61.88°F). These scavengers and opportunistic predators use their sharp sense of smell to find food and often venture closer to the surface at night. Despite their ancient lineage, they’re surprisingly active, capable of traveling nearly a kilometer a day! What sets this nautilus apart is its beautifully striped shell, featuring brown-to-red patterns and delicate ridges. Its strong yet lightweight shell protects it from extreme depths, though it can’t handle pressures below 789 meters. With a slow-growing lifestyle, these creatures live up to 20 years, spending their days gliding through the depths. Video by Nautilus EV #ocean #art #youth #bowseat #climateaction #oceanconservation #teens #sea #livingfossil #shell #shells #shellfish #clam #marinebiology #marine #climateaction #youthartists #contest #artivism