HgX (X=S, Se,Te) nanotube formation by low-temperature spray deposition of solvothermally synthesized HgX nanoparticles is demonstrated. HgI2 is found to act as a catalyst for HgX nanotube growth; the mechanism being similar to that of the catalytic tip growth mechanism of carbon nanotubes. The figure shows the obtained bamboo-shaped HgS nanotubes with hexagonal crystal structure and HgSe and HgTe nanotubes with cubic crystal structure (from left to right).