**Nautilaceae**
**Definition**
Nautilaceae is a family of marine cephalopods within the subclass Nautiloidea, characterized by their coiled, chambered shells and simple suture patterns. Members of this family are commonly known as nautiluses and are notable for their distinctive external shells and tentacles.
**Overview**
Nautilaceae includes several extant and extinct genera, with the modern genus *Nautilus* being the most recognized. These animals inhabit deep ocean waters and use jet propulsion for movement. Their shells provide buoyancy control through gas-filled chambers. Nautilaceae have a long evolutionary history dating back to the Late Paleozoic era, making them important for studying cephalopod evolution.
**Morphology and Behavior**
Nautilaceae species possess a hard, external shell with a logarithmic spiral shape. They have numerous tentacles without suckers and rely on keen eyesight and chemosensory abilities to locate prey. Their diet mainly consists of small fish and crustaceans.
**Ecological Significance**
As scavengers and predators, Nautilaceae play a role in marine ecosystems by maintaining the balance of benthic communities. Their shells also contribute to the fossil record, aiding paleontological research.
**Meta Description**
Nautilaceae is a family of marine cephalopods known for their coiled shells and simple sutures. They are important both ecologically and evolutionarily.