In this video, a veined octopus, Amphioctopus marginatus, demonstrates its ability to use a tool for defense. The octopus carries a coconut shell as it travels, then, when danger approaches, it tucks itself inside for safety. Clever!
Octopus video by museumvictoria. Footage shot by Dr Julian Finn of Museum Victoria. Music from the Breakfast at Tiffany's Soundtrack by Henry Mancini-"Hub Caps and Tail Lights"
Finn, J.K., T. Tregenza and M.D. Norman. (2009) Defensive tool use in a coconut-carrying octopus, Current Biology, Volume 19, Issue 23, R1069-R1070, 15 December 2009
For more octopus goodness, check out:
Octopus: Master of Disguise
Cephalopods: Wizards of Camouflage
Are Cephalopods Really Colorblind?
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