Foraging and scavenging in nautilus (<i>Nautilus</i> sp.) <i>L</i>. (Cl. Cephalopoda)

Species of extant nautiluses (in <i>Nautilus</i> and <i>Allonautilus</i>) have been anecdotally described as opportunistic scavengers. Here, we examine foraging and scavenging behaviors of <i>Nautilus</i> in field and laboratory settings. Given that nautiluses are nektobenthic, solitary animals living in resource-limited habitats, we predict that odor is the predominant cue used to locate prey. Here, we show that nautiluses display a stereotyped set of search postures in the wild. In field and laboratory trials, nautiluses displayed the same stereotyped foraging postures, suggesting it is a natural and functional reflex in nautilus, and can be replicated under controlled conditions. A series of foraging behaviors induced by olfaction is a highly desirable trait to scavenge for food in the deep-sea. Considering the recent conservation initiatives and regulations now in place to protect declining nautilus populations, understanding and describing feeding behaviors and the ecology of nautiluses are a critical component to support conservation efforts.