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MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

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National Zoological Park<br />

<strong>MCI</strong> 6222 Nautilus pompilius Shell<br />

<strong>MCI</strong> Staff: R. Jeff Speakman, Nicole C. Little, Judy Watson, Greg Henkes<br />

A Nautilus pompilius shell from a specimen that died in captivity at NZP was analyzed<br />

by XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, ICP-MS, and other appropriate techniques to determine if there were<br />

identifiable inorganic chemical differences between the early- and late-growth shell. Organic<br />

analyses were incorporated as necessary.<br />

Nautili are a nocturnal species that undergo a daily, vertical migration. In captivity,<br />

nautilus require cool-water, dark, and deep, in dedicated aquariums. Even in 'proper'<br />

environments, they experience buoyancy problems (they float), and they are unable to properly<br />

grow new shell in captivity. In addition, it appears that the mortality rate for captive specimens is<br />

quite high. Identifiable chemical differences between the "new" and "old" shell growth may<br />

point to/help determine the bigger picture.<br />

155

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