Species · GBIF taxon 5856039
Coconut Octopus
Amphioctopus marginatusAlso known as Veined Octopus
These clever medium-sized cephalopods are famous for gathering discarded coconut shells or clam valves to assemble portable, protective shelters. When moving their heavy armor across the seafloor, they often tuck their remaining arms inward and walk backward on just two limbs. Their dark, veined skin patterns provide excellent camouflage against the muddy and sandy substrates of their tropical Indo-Pacific home.
CephalopodTool UserMarine
Licensed referenceBernard DUPONT from FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Shrimp, crabs, and clams
- family
- Octopodidae
- threats
- Habitat degradation, marine pollution, and coastal development
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Capable of delivering a painful bite if handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Possesses a sharp chitinous beak and mild venom used to subdue prey, which can cause a painful bite in humans.
Never attempt to pry this octopus from its shell or handle it directly; admire its tool-using behavior from a distance.- Look for moving shells: Scan sandy bottoms for coconut shells or clam valves that appear to walk or shift.
- Keep your distance: Avoid touching or picking up shells that might house an octopus to prevent stress or defensive bites.
- Watch for bipedal walking: Observe quietly to catch them walking backward on two arms while carrying their shelters.