Coconut Octopus

ocean · tool-user · tiny inventor

Shell collector. The coconut octopus gathers coconut shells and seashells to build a protective shelter wherever it goes. It's like carrying your house on your back.

Two-legged walker. Unlike other octopuses that crawl on all eight arms, the coconut octopus sometimes walks on just two arms while holding shells with the others. It's one of the only octopuses in the world that does this.

Sneaky hunter. This octopus loves to hunt shrimp, crabs, and clams hiding in the sandy ocean floor. It uses its intelligence to find prey and avoid bigger predators.

Tropical ocean home. You'll find coconut octopuses in the warm tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, where they prefer sandy places with lots of shells and debris.

Problem solver. The coconut octopus is famous for being able to solve puzzles and use tools in clever ways, making it one of the smartest invertebrates in the ocean.