In a new first, an octopus has been recorded throwing stones at fish while hiding in a clamshell. (Image: Getty)
A groundbreaking video has captured footage of a coconut octopus, found in tropical waters of the western , throwing stones at fish whilst hiding inside a clamshell – the first time this behaviour has been documented.
The octopus, Amphioctopus marginatus, is seen using its syphon – a tube normally used for swimming – to launch small projectiles at approaching predators.
The discovery occurred during the filming of a documentary in southeast , which focused on the effects of on marine life. In this instance, it focused on a lone octopus living in a rubbish-filled seabed.
Upon reviewing the footage, the team noticed the astonishing behaviour.
“We couldn’t believe it,” said series producer Katy Moorhead, the wrote. “She was shooting fish, with stones, through her syphon! We were so surprised. Nobody had ever recorded veined octopuses using their syphons as weapons before.”
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Coconut octopuses have mastered creating protective shields from clam and coconut shells. (Image: Getty)
Curious to find out if this was a one-time event or a learned defence, the team returned to observe the octopus. Over three weeks, cinematographer Roger Munns spent 110 hours capturing the animal’s actions.
The footage revealed the octopus gathering stones and debris, carefully loading them into its syphon and firing them at fish that wandered too close.
The projectiles moved so quickly that they were only visible when the video was played in slow-motion – adding another layer to the impressive discovery.
“She turns her syphon into a gun,” said former President , the series’ narrator. “Until now, we didn’t know an octopus could arm itself like this. Genius”.
One particularly striking moment shows the octopus throwing stones directly at a fish, revealing its hiding spot. The fish was hit directly in the face, forcing it to retreat.
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Coconut octopuses have been recorded for their resourcefulness, inhabiting sandy and muddy seabeds in the Indian Ocean. They have mastered creating protective shields from clam and coconut shells, which they carry as portable shelters.
It displays a typical colour pattern with dark branch-like lines, usually with a yellow syphon and white suckers. They emerge at dawn and dusk to forage, but rarely display aggressive behaviours like this new footage has revealed.
The behaviour is now under scientific analysis to determine how and why the octopuses are using this unique defence. Scientists hope that this groundbreaking discovery will deepen our understanding of the intelligence and adaptability of marine life.
Jonathan Smith, another series producer, noted its effectiveness: “The fish were clearly startled and did then leave the vicinity of the octopus, suggesting it is an effective deterrent”.
The series “Our Oceans,” which highlights this discovery, is now available for streaming on .