Strategies for Bargain Hunting: Lessons from the Octopus

Scientists have discovered that the veined octopus Amphioctopus marginatus "stilt walks" across the sea floor while carrying a pair of split coconut shells under its body, like an overloaded shopper triumphantly carrying an armload of bargains. The image was so striking that the snorkeling researchers had some trouble stopping themselves from laughing and filling their masks with water. It's an image that raises an interesting question - whether it's an octopus looking for the best shells...