Photo of Animalia: Veined Octopus (species: Octopus marginatus)

Small Veined Octopus (Octopus marginatus) hiding between a coconut shell and a clam shell

© Nick Hobgood

East Timor.

This small octopus of no more than 4-5 cm in diameter was observed on a night dive, using one nut shell and one clam shell to hide between. When the octopus felt there was no threat, it came out of the shells and using the inner parts of its tentacles, proceeded to carry the shells while pulling itself along with the outer tips of the same tentacles. Sensing any threat, the octopus clamped itself shut between the shells with amazing speed.

Date 27 February 2006