There’s an Octopus in Your Coconut

There’s an Octopus in Your Coconut

We’re meeting a neat little octopus today during Cephalopod Week! These little invertebrates are called the Coconut Octopus- can you guess why?

COCONUT FUN FACTS: 

• These octopus are not very big- usually around 6 inches long.
• They are known to find coconuts and shells and use them to hide in.
• They are also 1 of 2 species of octopus known to walk (yes- walk on the ocean floor) with 2 arms (bipedal). This happens when the octopus uses their other arms to carry their preferred hiding mechanism.
• Scientists also consider their use of shells and coconuts tool use. They are using them to protect themselves.
•  These carnivores eat clams, shrimp and crabs.
• They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

We love these amazing animals. Octopus are known for their intelligence and to learn that some of them are tool users is even cooler.