About 30 years ago, biologist Peter Ward and his colleague discovered a new species of nautilus, and, for the first time since, Ward recently laid eyes on the rare creature again. About 30 years ago, biologist Peter Ward and his colleague discovered a new species of nautilus, Allonautilus scrobiculatus, notable for the thick layer of slime and hair covering its shell. In the decades since, however, the creature has proven to be an elusive one. Finally, on a recent trip to the South Pacific, Ward laid eyes on the rare nautilus once again. He and his crew successfully baited one of the shelled sea animals and filmed its activities. The resulting footage showed the species has a pretty strong force of will. When another nautilus approached, attempting to partake in the feast, a battle ensued. Later, a sunfish showed up, and though it knocked the Allonautilus around, the little guy held its own for about 2 hours. That footage, combined with samples taken in a separate investigative effort, has greatly informed the study of what Ward says may be the rarest animal in the world.
Via GeoBeats News.