as it says we got some octopuses (sp?) in at one of my LFS for the first time ever (that I've seen) I talked to the guy there and he said there a species only tank kinda fish as they'll eat most anything else... they are only like maybe 3 or 4" at the moment (tentacles and all) and they were a white color, no clue what kind, just wondering what size tank these guys would eventually need as I think it'd be cool to have an octopus. Any opinions?
octopus at LFS
- Thread starter MXPX4318
- Start date
J-Money
Fishaholic
from what I hear octopi (?) are very intelligent and you need to make sure there is absolutely no way for them to get out (I.E. latches on the lid(s) so they can't push it up etc...). Other than that, i've heard they are very hard for most people to take care of 
stellablu
Fish Fanatic
Species only is right. They love hermits...so I'm not sure what sort of clean-up crew, if any, you could have.
I'm assuming it's a Two Spot octopus. If so you could do nicely with a 55g tank. Like previously mentioned, they are excellent escape artists and have a surprising amount of strength. These creatures are able to squeeze into Coke bottles with ease and lift a tank lid with 30 lbs. of brick atop it with great skill. With those abilities, as interesting as they may be, you have to worry about coming home to find the octopus on your floor, behind the couch, or even in another tank of yours.
We had an octopus in a high school here and noticed every other morning or so that fish would be missing from the other tanks...one morning the professor came in early to find the suspect red-handed. The octopus was able to climb out and help himself to munchies only to return to the tank before anyone could see him the next morning.
You'll hear horror stories, but unfortunately no one tells the success stories. I wouldn't keep an octopus if you are a beginning aquarist. Trust me...I, too, found it hard to resist bringing one of these guys home, myself. Very interesting fellas.
Another thing to be weary of is if they become frightened badly enough they ink themselves...this is neat to watch. However, it is very dangerous for the octopus because unlike in the wild an aquarium prohibits his escape from his own ink. A massive water change must be done immediately after to keep him from dying.
Provided with a lot of rocks and caves, hiding spots are a MUST to keep octopi happy. Mind you that you won't see him every day, so if you want an ornamental invert you might be discouraged to find he only comes out at night and seldom during the day.
I don't recommend breeding, not that you'd want to, just a thought of mine. In captivity octopus usually live about 2 years, at least in my research... once they breed, the female slowly dies. Breeding is difficult to achieve first of all, but it's better to be armed with knowledge beforehand, just in case. They have short enough life spans as it is, I wouldn't want anything to speed that up...ya know?
A cute trick that I used to play with the one at a LFS was to wave my fingers (almost like I were typing fast) in front of him...he would proceed to wave his tentacles all crazy-like and really come to life. Unfortunately I think that behavior was pre-fight mode haha
I know a lot of people always tell you what NOT to do or to host and never really how to do something right, so if you do your research and have prior experience with SW tanks I'd say go for it. However, just don't jump up and go purchase him. Seriously read up on his needs and find the BEST possible octopus proof set-up!
One day I hope to have the room and time for one! They are such amazing, intelligent creatures.. Best of luck!
I'm assuming it's a Two Spot octopus. If so you could do nicely with a 55g tank. Like previously mentioned, they are excellent escape artists and have a surprising amount of strength. These creatures are able to squeeze into Coke bottles with ease and lift a tank lid with 30 lbs. of brick atop it with great skill. With those abilities, as interesting as they may be, you have to worry about coming home to find the octopus on your floor, behind the couch, or even in another tank of yours.
We had an octopus in a high school here and noticed every other morning or so that fish would be missing from the other tanks...one morning the professor came in early to find the suspect red-handed. The octopus was able to climb out and help himself to munchies only to return to the tank before anyone could see him the next morning.
You'll hear horror stories, but unfortunately no one tells the success stories. I wouldn't keep an octopus if you are a beginning aquarist. Trust me...I, too, found it hard to resist bringing one of these guys home, myself. Very interesting fellas.
Another thing to be weary of is if they become frightened badly enough they ink themselves...this is neat to watch. However, it is very dangerous for the octopus because unlike in the wild an aquarium prohibits his escape from his own ink. A massive water change must be done immediately after to keep him from dying.
Provided with a lot of rocks and caves, hiding spots are a MUST to keep octopi happy. Mind you that you won't see him every day, so if you want an ornamental invert you might be discouraged to find he only comes out at night and seldom during the day.
I don't recommend breeding, not that you'd want to, just a thought of mine. In captivity octopus usually live about 2 years, at least in my research... once they breed, the female slowly dies. Breeding is difficult to achieve first of all, but it's better to be armed with knowledge beforehand, just in case. They have short enough life spans as it is, I wouldn't want anything to speed that up...ya know?
A cute trick that I used to play with the one at a LFS was to wave my fingers (almost like I were typing fast) in front of him...he would proceed to wave his tentacles all crazy-like and really come to life. Unfortunately I think that behavior was pre-fight mode haha
I know a lot of people always tell you what NOT to do or to host and never really how to do something right, so if you do your research and have prior experience with SW tanks I'd say go for it. However, just don't jump up and go purchase him. Seriously read up on his needs and find the BEST possible octopus proof set-up!
One day I hope to have the room and time for one! They are such amazing, intelligent creatures.. Best of luck!
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