A walking octopus with a coconut shell on its head looks very stylish!
The name Coconut Octopus sparks lots of ideas. Images of a giant octopus living on a tropical island swimming around among floating coconut shells might flash through your mind. Although this is not true, the truth is still mind-boggling and fascinating.
While chimpanzees have long been known to use sticks for termite fishing, the world of tool-making reached new heights with the remarkable abilities of the Coconut octopus, Amphioctopus marginatus. This intriguing creature utilizes coconut shells, clamshells and discarded human containers such as tins. Let’s dive into the captivating world of the coconut octopus and explore its extraordinary skills.
The coconut octopus is found in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. It is a rather small octopus, around 15 cm (six inches) in length, this intelligent cephalopod demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness. Measuring the head alone, it is approximately 7.5 cm (three inches) in length.
The fascinating creature demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness by using objects found on the ocean floor as a helmet or camouflaging device. Also, the intelligent octopus actively seeks different-sized shells, showcasing its ability to recognize the unique uses of each. The shell can be used as a protective shield from attacks, building material for shelter, and perhaps even most fascinating as an underwater vehicle when the octopus crawls into a shell and rolls inside it.
Witness the Coconut Octopus in action as it skillfully navigates the ocean floor with a coconut shell or clamshell perched on its head, resembling a stylish accessory that aids in its stealthy movements along the ocean floor without raising suspicion from predators.
A shell is also a perfect hiding spot for an animal using a passive hunting strategy. A strategic vantage point for passive hunting, allowing it to observe its surroundings and swiftly seize opportunities for prey.ng tasty comes along.
This intelligent creature has inspired several biomimicry designs such as soft-sensing robot arms. What ideas does the coconut octopus inspire?
A great starting point is to write a story about the inquisitive and smart coconut octopus. You can draw the body of an octopus and use post-it notes to describe its fascinating skills and the biological strategies it uses to survive.
You’ll find the resources here , here or here.
Biomimicry for Young Children 