Coconut Octopus

Photo: Becky Brenner · CC BY-NC

Coconut octopus are among the most behaviorally complex invertebrates on the reef, famously collecting coconut shell halves and clam shells to use as portable shelter — a behavior that qualifies as tool use. Night dives around Labuanbajo's sandy margins regularly produce sightings of these small but incredibly intelligent animals carrying their shells, arranging them into protective domes, and emerging to hunt crabs and small fish. Their curiosity and the vividness of their color changes make them a favourite subject for underwater videographers.