Minecraft is full of mysterious creatures, and many players often hear about the Nautilus and wonder if it can be tamed like wolves, cats, or horses. If you’ve searched for how to tame Nautilus in Minecraft, you’re not alone. This guide will clearly explain what Nautilus is, whether it can be tamed, and how you can use it effectively in the game without confusion.
What Is Nautilus in Minecraft?
First, it’s important to understand one thing clearly: Nautilus is not a mob or animal in Minecraft. There is no living Nautilus creature that swims, walks, or interacts with the player. Instead, Minecraft has an item called the Nautilus Shell.
The Nautilus Shell is a rare and valuable item mainly used to craft a Conduit, which gives players powerful underwater abilities. Because of its name, many players mistakenly believe Nautilus is a mob that can be tamed.
Can You Tame Nautilus in Minecraft?
No, you cannot tame Nautilus in Minecraft, because it does not exist as a mob. There is no official way in Vanilla Minecraft to tame or interact with a living Nautilus.
However, don’t worry. Even though you can’t tame it, the Nautilus Shell plays a very important role in underwater gameplay, exploration, and survival.
What Is the Nautilus Shell Used For?
The main purpose of the Nautilus Shell is crafting a Conduit.
A Conduit provides amazing underwater benefits such as:
- Faster underwater mining
- Improved underwater visibility
- Increased swim speed
- Protection from underwater hostile mobs
If you enjoy ocean exploration, underwater bases, or ocean monuments, the Nautilus Shell becomes extremely valuable.
How to Get Nautilus Shells in Minecraft
Since you can’t tame Nautilus, the real challenge is finding Nautilus Shells. There are several reliable ways to get them.
1. Fishing
Fishing is one of the most common ways to obtain Nautilus Shells.
- Nautilus Shells are classified as treasure items
- Using a fishing rod enchanted with Luck of the Sea increases your chances
- AFK fishing farms can help speed up the process
Fishing takes time, but it’s a peaceful and safe way to collect shells early in the game.
2. Trading with Wandering Traders
Wandering Traders sometimes sell Nautilus Shells.
- Cost: 5 emeralds per shell
- Each trader can sell up to 5 shells
- This is one of the fastest guaranteed methods
If you already have emeralds, this method saves a lot of time compared to fishing.
3. Drowned Mobs
Some Drowned mobs spawn holding Nautilus Shells.
- Killing them has a chance to drop the shell
- Drowned often spawn in oceans and rivers
- Looting enchantment improves drop chances
Be careful, as Drowned can be dangerous, especially early game.
How to Craft a Conduit Using Nautilus Shells
Once you’ve collected 8 Nautilus Shells, you can craft a Conduit.
Items Required:
- 8 Nautilus Shells
- 1 Heart of the Sea
Place the Heart of the Sea in the center of the crafting table and surround it with the Nautilus Shells.
How to Activate and Use a Conduit
Crafting the Conduit is only the first step. To activate it:
- Place the Conduit underwater
- Surround it with a frame of Prismarine blocks (minimum 16)
- The more blocks you use, the stronger the Conduit’s range becomes
Once activated, you’ll notice dramatic improvements while swimming and mining underwater.
Is There Any Way to Tame Nautilus Using Mods?
Yes, mods and custom addons can introduce tamable Nautilus mobs.
Some mods allow:
- Riding Nautilus creatures
- Using them as underwater mounts
- Feeding them to tame or control them
Keep in mind these features are not part of the official Minecraft game and only work in modded versions like Forge or Fabric.
Common Mistakes Players Make
Many players:
- Waste time searching for a Nautilus mob
- Assume Nautilus spawns naturally
- Think it behaves like dolphins or turtles
Understanding that Nautilus is an item, not a mob, saves a lot of confusion.
Final Thoughts
While you cannot tame Nautilus in Minecraft, the Nautilus Shell is one of the most powerful items for underwater gameplay. By collecting shells through fishing, trading, or fighting Drowned mobs, you can craft a Conduit and completely transform your ocean exploration experience.
Instead of taming Nautilus, think of the Conduit as your underwater companion—it provides power, safety, and efficiency every time you dive into the depths of Minecraft’s oceans.





