Invertebrate
Coconut octopus
Amphioctopus marginatus
IUCN status: Unknown
A small sand octopus known for carrying coconut shells and clamshells to build portable shelters, an example of tool use in invertebrates. Common and photogenic across Lembeh's muck sites.
- Max size
- ~15cm arm span
- Habitat
- Black-sand flats with shell and debris
Best places to dive with Coconut octopus
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Dauin
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Commonly seen carrying and hiding in shells across the Dauin sand flats; one of the more reliable octopus finds here.
Lembeh Strait
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
One of the more dependable octopus sightings in the strait, found year-round on debris-strewn sand.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Diving in Lembeh — PADI