For all you people heading out in the camper or RV for the summertime this creative cephalopod might just appeal to you. The veined octopus is also known as the coconut octopus as it tends to be a bit creative when it comes to its home. The octopus gets its moniker from its desire to pick up anything at its disposal to make its home, yes even coconuts. Additionally, these creative inverts take their home on the road with them.
We saw these incredible images from the Monterey Bay Aquarium on its Tumblr blog and were immediately entranced. After reading the article we learned the aquarium recently added one of these to its Tentacles exhibit. Collected during the recent Philippines organized by the California Academy of Sciences (who is also the only other aquarium here in the US to have one on display), by Paul Clarkson, the curator of Husbandry Operations at the aquarium.
The veined octopus is found in Indo-Pacific waters, has a fist-sized body and lives to be a year old. Interestingly, the octopus was collected near an old pier that did have quite a bit of trash, making plenty of opportunities for the cephs to find a home. They would often make their homes in clam shells making it a bit easy for the team to just grab the shell and take the entire “house” along with them. This lucky specimen made the trip to California with its home and is now happy, healthy and at home for all of us to enjoy.
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