Tool use: It's not just for humans anymore. Actually, it hasn't been just for humans for a long while — yet another form of homo sapiens exceptionalism we're having to learn to do without. But now it's not just for humans, apes, monkeys, certain birds, and possibly octopuses: There's documented evidence that fish can use tools too. Take that, practically everything except fish! You're not so smart after all.

Reader support helps sustain our work. Donate today to keep our climate news free. All donations DOUBLED!

These photos show a blackspot tuskfish cracking open a clam by hitting it against a rock. It may not be as sophisticated as a socket wrench, or even a stick poked into a termite nest. But hey, we're talking about a species that doesn't have thumbs OR hands OR feet. (Or even grasping tentacles.) Let's be honest, this is more than we expected of fish. And a good reminder that nature is often more crafty than we think.

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.