Argonautidae: Argonauta nodosus Lightfoot, 1786 (‘knobbly paper-nautilus’)

Synonym(s): nodosus Solander, 1786 oryzata Meuschen, 1787.

Typical shell-length 350 mm. The living paper-nautilus is a pelagic octopus; the ‘shell’ is the female’s temporary brood-chamber. Lives in offshore waters in midwater. Native. Occurs in southeastern and southwestern Australia (QLD, NSW, TAS, VIC, SA and WA); also widespread elsewhere in the warm temperate zone of the southern hemisphere. In Tasmanian waters, this species is most regularly stranded around Flinders Island and along parts of the E coast; few shells survive beaching intact.