Nautilus vanuatuensis

Nautilus vanuatuensis is a species of nautilus native to the waters of Vanuatu. It was described as a separate species in 2023.

Description
It is distinguished from other nautilus species by its abundantly colored red shell. It has 40-50% shell coloration (more than any other Nautilus species with a plugged umbilicus) and its pigmentation occurs in stripes extending from venter to umbilicus.

Habitat
Nautilus vanuatuensis primarily lives in deep waters (200-400 m) although it is commonly observed in shallow waters (5 m). It seems endemic to Vanuatu, where it is apparently the only species.

Etymology
The specific epithet, vanuatuensis, refers to Vanuatu, the type locality.