Amphioctopus marginatus

Scientific Name:-

Amphioctopus marginatus

Common Name:-

Veined or Coconut Octopus

Malayalam Name:-

Varayan neerali

Category:-

Mollusca

Status:-

Found commonly in Kerala coast

Description:-

A medium-sized cephalopod belonging to the genus Amphioctopus. The main body of the octopus is typically around 8 160 centimeters 3 160 in in size, and, with arms, approximately 15 160 centimeters 6 160 in long. The octopus displays a typical color pattern with dark ramified lines similar to veins, usually with a yellow siphon. The arms are usually dark in color, with contrasting white suckers. In many color displays, a lighter trapezoidal area can be seen immediately below the eye.

Threats:-

Not recorded.

Remark:-

Commonly preys upon shrimp, crabs, and clams, and displays unusual behaviour, including bipedal walking and gathering and using coconut shells and seashells for shelter.

Habitat:-

Found in shallow seas, mostly with sandy bottom.

Synonyms:-

Octopus marginatus Taki, 1964 (original combination); Octopus striolatus Dong, 1976

References:-

Finn, J.K., Tregenza ,T. & Norman M.D. (2009). Defensive tool use in a coconut-carrying octopus. Current Biology 19: 1069-1070.
Norman, M.D. 2000. Cephalopods: A World Guide. Conch Books. Hackenheim, Germany, 320pp.
Norman M.D. & Hochberg F.G. (2005) The current state of Octopus taxonomy. Phuket Marine Biological Center Research Bulletin 66:127–154., available online at
http://www.pmbc.go.th/webpmbc/ResearchBulletin/Bull%2066%20%20pdf/13.%20Norman.pdf
Sreeja, V. and Biju Kumar, A. 2013. Ethological studies on veined octopus, Amphioctopus marginatus (Taki) in captivity. Journal of Threatened Taxa (Accepted)

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