How old is a nautilus?
Unlike other cephalopods, nautiluses are relatively long-lived, reaching ages of 15 to 20 years, or more. The common misconception regarding the captive care of cephalopods is that long-term success is impossible. While it is true that keeping cephalopods is a difficult task, understanding their biology and natural behavior will enhance the success of the exhibition of these animals. The nautiluses are no exception.The tentacles of a nautilus have no suckers or hooks, but hold prey with a sticky secretion. A nautilus may live more than 20 years — a very long time compared to other cephalopods. To control its buoyancy, a nautilus pumps fluids in and out its shell chambers, which are connected by a tube called a siphuncle.