Octopuses
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These are crafty, strong escape artists and need a tight-fitting lid. Janine Cairns-Michael
[edit] Overview
Octopuses need at least one hiding space or den; large barnacle shells or pieces of PVC pipe work well. They are nocturnal. The three most common species in the hobby are Octopus bimaculatus (Eastern Pacific), Octopus briareus and Octopus joubini (Caribbean). Octopus bimaculatus is distinguished from Octopus briareus by the presence of two large, whitish “eyespots” on the web at the base of the arms, in front of and below the eyes.
Family: Octopodidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Maximum length: 20 cm (8 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Lighting: Diurnal cycle necessary. Dim to moderate lighting.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Prefer live foods (small marine fishes or shrimps).
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Predators on crustaceans, perhaps fishes. Not suitable for reef tanks.
[edit] Special Care
Octopuses must have very pure, highly oxygenated water. They cannot go very long without live food: do not attempt to keep one unless you have a ready supply of live crabs or small bait fish. These messy feeders liberate a lot of urine after feeding, so a good skimmer is a must.
| Common name | Octopuses + |
| Family | Octopodidae + |
| Genus | Octopus + |
| Image credit | JCM + |
| Lighting | Diurnal cycle necessary. Dim to moderate lighting. + |
| Maximum length | 8 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 20 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean +, and Eastern Pacific + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |