Veined Octopus
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| Octopus marginatus Taki, 1964 |
The Veined Octopus (Octopus marginatus), also known as the Coconut Octopus, is a medium sized cephalopod belonging to the genus Octopus. It is found in tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean.
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[edit] Size and description
Typical color pattern with dark ramified lines similar to veins. White suckers, contrasted against the usually dark color of the arms. In many color displays a trapezoidal lighter area can be seen immediately below the eye. Often yellow funnel. Body 8 cm, tentacles 15 cm.[1]
[edit] Behavior and habitat
The coconut octopus is found on sandy bottoms in bays or lagoons. It frequently buries itself in the sand with only its eyes sticking out. It uses any available debris to create a defensive fortress. It is especially known for using coconut shells as hiding places. In March 2005, UC Berkley researchers published an article in which O. marginatus was reported to have a bipedal behavior. It is one of only two octopus species known to display such behavior, the other species being Octopus aculeatus. According to the article, this behavior was discovered in an area off Sulawesi, Indonesia, where the sandy bottom was littered with coconut shells. The bipedal motion appears to mimic a floating coconut.[2] Video footage of this behavior can be found on this link. [1]
[edit] Diet
This species of octopus commonly preys upon shrimp, crabs, and clams.
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.edge-of-reef.com/cefalopodi/CEFOctopusmarginatusen.htm
- ^ http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2005/03/24_octopus.shtml
