October 21, 2012 at 11:24 pm

Picture of the Day: The Coconut Octopus

by twistedsifter

 

THE COCONUT OCTOPUS

 

Octopus

 

 
Amphioctopus marginatus, also known as the coconut octopus or 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. [Source: Wikipedia]

The main body of the octopus is typically around 8 centimeters (3 in) in size, and, with arms, approximately 15 centimeters (6 in) long. In this amazing capture by photographer Mario Neumann, the contrast of the white suckers to the rest of the octopus and sea floor makes it look like some kind of alien spaceship!