Cephalopod intelligence is well documented, but in Indonesia, a species of octopus—the veined octopuses (Amphioctopus marginatus)—has discovered the utility of discarded coconut shells. This species of octopus uses these discarded coconut shells as shelters. Apparently, this is the first documented case of invertebrates using tools.

The image is via National Geographic and courtesy of Roger Steene, and more about this fascinating octopus behavior can be found at the New Scientist.

Videos showing octopuses using discarded coconut shells for protection:

More video showing similar octopus behavior:

This octopus seems to mimic a coconut shell as it walks across the sea floor:

The octopuses in these videos employ a similar technique but with discarded bivalve shells:

This octopus makes use of a discarded beer bottle, and it has no problem getting inside:

The mimic octopus can change its color, shape, and behavior to mimic other animals such as flounder, the poisonous lionfish, and even a sea snake!

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