In most aspects of coloration and general morphology, these most closely resemble the infamous coconut octopus from Indonesia and the Philippines. At Kwajalein it does not typically carry around coconut shells nor do they typically make protective cases out of clam shells, although we have seen this in one case. Where these octopus are found around here, mostly around lagoon beds of Halimeda algae, there aren't many coconuts or large clams. We have seen them in the algae, hiding on or around sea cucumbers, or peeking out of empty shells such as Lambis truncata or Cassis cornuta.
This one was hiding at night in a home he'd made of clam shells.
Created 13 September 2015
Updated 2 December 2020