It looks like different shells and different individual octopuses. Anyone know what species this is? Is it a common practice for that species?

I especially liked the horse-trot part where it carries the shell between its legs.

I like the end when the octopus hijacks the camera to film a documentary about hairless beach-apes using artificial flippers to swim... I'm sure that he thought only octopi used tools!

God told it to do that. So it would be less likely to get eaten and become some larger creature's poop.

New Scientist story here... http://www.videosift.com/video/Octopus-Tool-Use

Can anyone tell me what is the air-speed velocity of a small octopus carrying a coconut?

Hehe, it thinks it is a hermit crab!

Here is a clip of one that uses two shells to make a ball and hides inside it rolling down a hill:
http://www.videosift.com/video/The-Octonutball-Octopus-uses-Coconut-as-ZORB

Veined Octopus, Amphioctopus marginatus
I don't know about the two shell thing, but I've seen octopuses in single coconut shells before.
Here is the paper:
http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822%2809%2901914-9

The "tool use" argument hinges on the definition including items that are carried for use later on being tools. This is why the authors claim that hermit crabs aren't using tools.. because their shells always afford some protection. Of course, octopuses carry rocks to their dens and use them as doors... as do some crustaceans. It's a neat behaviour, but "tool use" comes off as kind of gimmicky.

He lives in a coconut under the sea...

>> ^notarobot:
I like the end when the octopus hijacks the camera to film a documentary about hairless beach-apes using artificial flippers to swim... I'm sure that he thought only octopi used tools!


It's "octopodes" if you're good a Greek

Isn't this the proof that god exists? As only a divine being could ever create something that allows the octopus to fit perfectly into it, and protect itself like that!

Oh holiest of tentacle protector, the octopi believe!

Comment hidden because you are ignoring dag.(show it anyway)

Octopus are awesome. If I was forced to have sex with any non-human creature - I would now choose the octopus. (used to be big cat)

>> ^dag:
Octopus are awesome. If I was forced to have sex with any non-human creature - I would now choose the octopus. (used to be big cat)


Dude, that's so wrong. Like on 2 or 3 different levels.

I mean, the cat, the octopus I can TOTALLY understand.

This truly IS proof of Intelligent Design. Takoyaki that comes fresh from the ocean in it's own bowl!!!

>> ^Tyrsis:
Isn't this the proof that god exists? As only a divine being could ever create something that allows the octopus to fit perfectly into it, and protect itself like that!
Oh holiest of tentacle protector, the octopi believe!


This comment needs to have 15 votes, it's a brilliant piece of satire.

Don't you see, sifters? He's pointing out that we're like the octopus.. advanced toolmakers and users, who look at our own tools and go "this was clearly MADE for me!" If no one else appreciated the comment, i did. Excellent work.

>> ^therealblankman:
Can anyone tell me what is the air-speed velocity of a small octopus carrying a coconut?


African small octopus or European?

"Damnit, Octopete, you get your helmet on this instant! We're storming that beach!"

Tiger Woods take note.

Is that a really large coconut, or a really small octopus?

it's about an average sized octopus and an average sized coconut.
Though, there is a huge range of sized variation between octopuses... not so much coconuts.

"Guys? Guys? Where did you go? My coconut costume isn't that bad is it? Guys? Hello?"

"My super shell doesn't scare you? Ok, how about I just show my gine."


Everyone is amazed by the use of a coconut shell, but no one finds it amazing that it walks like a freaking land animal while carrying its house?!