<p>A veined octopus uses a discarded bottle for shelter on the sea floor off the <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/philippines-guide/">Philippines</a> in a photo released in September.<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/091214-octopus-carries-coconuts-coconut-carrying/"></a></p><p><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/091214-octopus-carries-coconuts-coconut-carrying/">Veined octopuses have been observed using coconut shells as tools</a>. Researchers reported the animals digging up the two halves of a coconut shell, then using them as protective shielding when stopping in exposed areas or when resting in sediment.</p><p><strong>Why We Love It</strong></p><p>"This stately portrait must have quite the story behind it. I can't see an octopus immediately trusting anyone."<em>—Chris Combs, news photo editor </em></p><p><em>—Korena Di Roma</em></p><p>(Also see: <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/08/pictures/110831-best-news-pictures-national-geographic-we-love-august-2011-whale-libya-hurricane-irene-somalia/">"Pictures We Love: Best of August."</a>)</p>