Octopus Self-Decorating
Some
octopuses are more than just masters of camouflage; they’re underwater interior decorators. Species like the veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) have been observed collecting shells, rocks, coconut halves, and other ocean treasures to arrange around the entrance of their dens.
These “gardens” serve multiple purposes: they help disguise the octopus’s hiding spot from predators, reinforce the entrance against currents, and, if the shells once belonged to tasty clams, they advertise the occupant’s hunting skills.
Scientists have even witnessed these clever
creatures carrying shells across the seafloor like protective shields, then arranging them just so when they settle into a new home. Whether it’s practical construction or a touch of personal style, it’s hard not to picture the octopus taking pride in its little underwater front yard.
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