THE COCONUT OCTOPUS

Amphioctopus marginatus

 

INSTITUTE CLASSIFICATION: Scientifically Handy
OFFICIAL STATUS: REAL
ARCHIVE: Ocean Oddities
CASE STATUS: Investigation Complete

 

CASE SUMMARY

Reports from tropical waters describe a small octopus collecting discarded coconut shells,

carrying them across the sea floor and assembling them into shelters.

In other words:

An octopus using tools.

Institute researchers initially suspected somebody had confused marine biology with a home-renovation program.

They had not. The Coconut Octopus is real.

And apparently quite handy.

 

CLAIMS UNDER INVESTIGATION

CLAIM #1
The Coconut Octopus collects objects.

CLAIM #2
It carries coconut shells across the sea floor.

CLAIM #3
It uses those objects as portable shelter.

CLAIM #4
This behaviour can be considered tool use.

 

Initial Institute Assessment:

Octopus?

Yes.

Tradie?

Investigation required.

 

ORIGIN & HABITAT

Found in tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, 

particularly shallow sandy areas where discarded shells and other useful objects can be found.

 

RECOGNISED BY

Orange-brown colouring

Curious eyes

Clever behaviour

Eight arms

Carrying useful objects

Looking like it should own a high-vis vest

 

KNOWN FOR

Using tools and undertaking small-scale underwater construction projects.

Coconut Octopuses have been observed collecting and transporting shells that can later be assembled into shelter.

Institute researchers have therefore given it the unofficial title:

THE UNDERWATER TRADIE

The book’s existing file identifies it as one of the relatively few animals known for tool use.

 

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS

This extraordinary behaviour is real.

Coconut Octopuses have been observed deliberately collecting useful objects, transporting them and later using them for protection.

That’s particularly interesting because carrying the shells can be awkward and provides little immediate benefit.

The animal appears to be preparing them for future use.

Which makes this much more interesting than simply hiding underneath the nearest shell.

 

INSTITUTE FIELD NOTES

10:04 am — Subject located carrying coconut shell.

10:07 am — Second shell discovered.

Inspection begins.

10:12 am — Materials transported.

10:21 am — Construction begins.

Several adjustments made.

Several adjustments then made to previous adjustments.

10:27 am — Shelter completed.

10:28 am — Subject climbs inside.

Subject announces:

“Looks good from my angle. Right, Smoko!”

Researchers confirm Coconut Octopuses use tools and construct shelters from discarded shells.

 

TYPICAL CALLS

“Who built this?”

“That’ll need replacing.”

“Measure twice.”

“Looks good from my angle.”

 

OFFICIAL FINDING

REAL

Octopus confirmed.

Tool use confirmed.

Portable shelter confirmed.

Tool belt:

Not yet located.