Coconut octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus)

Date Taken: December 22, 2016 at 6:16pm
Dive site: Aeprang 1. Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

I had never seen one until I dove in Indonesia... and, in going back over my cephalopod shots from the past 2 years - they're my number 1 (in terms of quantity of shots). They're also our absolute favorite octopus with which to play! Don't get me wrong, we don't handle any marine animals. But, with coconut octopus, it's a MUST to see if they want to play. They're the first marine animal that's known to use tools. So, the best thing to try and do - is give them a tool. Specifically, if you can find a couple of shells or a coconut or a well-worn bottle... place it near them, watch them investigate its worthiness, and finally, see if they decide to use it for shelter. The best though, if they really love it, they'll try and take it with them (sometimes resulting in some very awkward attempts to run away while keeping their tool with them).

My iNaturalist observation: 5049166

For more info:
* Cognitive sophistication - Defensive tool use in a coconut-carrying octopus

* Wikipedia: Amphioctopus_marginatus