Coconut Octopus

Amphioctopus marginatus (formerly known as Octopus marginatus) is a medium-sized octopus found in the tropical western Pacific and coastal waters of the Indian Ocean. Originally discovered in 1964, Amphioctopus marginatus, commonly known as Veined Octopus or Coconut Octopus, dwells in the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean. The Coconut Octopus is named so for a very peculiar behavior: it carries coconut shells and clam shells across the ocean floor and uses them to build fortresses. It is the only invertebrate known to use tools, and one of only two octopuses known to exhibit bipedal behavior by "walking" on two of its legs. The Coconut Octopus's diet consists of shrimp, crabs, and clams. The body of the Coconut Octopus is typically around 8 centimeters (3 in) in size, and, with arms, approximately 15 centimeters (6 in) long. The octopus displays a typical color pattern with dark ramified lines similar to veins, usually with a yellow siphon. The arms are usually dark in color, with contrasting white suckers. In many color displays, a lighter trapezoidal area can be seen immediately below the eye. Although octopuses often use foreign objects as shelter, the sophisticated behavior of Coconut Octopus when they select materials, carry and reassemble them, is far more complex. Coconut Octopus's use of coconuts shells and clam shells has fascinated scientists, mainly because this is the first invertebrate known to carry and maintain objects for future use. Interestingly, while the octopuses are transporting the shells, they receive no protection from them. This is highly unusual behavior.