Veined / Coconut Octopus protecting Eggs (Amphioctopus marginatus)

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Photo by AlbertKang

Published on Project Noah

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Field Notes

Description:

Amphioctopus marginatus, also known as the coconut octopus and veined octopus, is a medium-sized cephalopod belonging to the genus Amphioctopus. It is found in tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean. It commonly preys upon shrimp, crabs, and clams, and displays unusual behaviour, including bipedal walking and gathering and using coconut shells and seashells for shelter.

Habitat:

Sandy bottom where they are able to dig into the sands to hide.

Notes:

A very smart octopus, they can collects sea shells, coconut shells (hence, their name), bottles, cups and other hard objects to use as protection.

In the pictures above, this female is seen carrying her Eggs and using a cup as home/protection. At the same time, she is reaching out to collect a broken glass to further cover/protect herself and her eggs.

Reference Links:

Amphioctopus marginatus

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (12)

AlbertKang

Thanks, @Kathleen, glad you like it :)

KathleenMcEachern

Totally love the video!

AlbertKang

Thanks, @Adarsha, happy to share my marine encounters here :) @Mike, the Octopus will brood and take care of the Eggs until they all hatch, after that she will die. They are not able to feed/eat during this brooding period. The Eggs doesn't hatch all at the same time, its by batches. I have another video of the Octopus (same specie but not the same one) releasing her Babies.

MikeUnderwater

Behaviors like this are just amazing! She was very afraid but not even a thought on leaving the eggs exposed!

Adarsha B S

Such an awesome video..You taught us a lot about sea life Albert :)

AlbertKang

Thanks, @Despina & @Mark :)

DespinaTsafetopoulou

What an amazing mom she is...Love her!

Mark Ridgway

:-) Bipedal walking !? Well that's a waste of legs.. unless it's to carry more shopping. Gotta love nature.

AlbertKang

Thanks, @Ashley. I have dived a lot, so its expected to see lots of cool stuff. But spotting like this one, doesn't happens often :D