Clyde the Octopus won't eat :-(

[jnj97]

I got Clyde in August. He was eating every other day. Than starting eating everyday. He's active and in acts with me. I've gained his trust and now he'll touch me.
But today marks day 4 he hasn't eaten. Any ideas??? I don't know who has a octopus.

 

[Anirban]

@Tahoe61

 

[tdileo]

What species of octopus is he? I would make sure your water parameters are in check and ensure he has enough hiding spots. Most octopuses are rather shy and won’t always want to be out in the front of everything.

 

[AlexG]

I would start off with checking water parameters. The next question I would ask is do we know the age of the octopus? If we know the species someone here might have some experience with them and their behavior.

 

[jnj97]

He's a brown Atlantic. I'm not sure in the age though.

 

[jnj97]

He's still small.
Unfortunately I can't upload a pic for Some reason. I did check the parameters. The nitrates are a little high. So I did a water change last night and another today

 

[Tahoe61]

What are you feeding and how much?
Is the tank temp too high?

I am going to edit the title to attract the attention of Cephalopod fans.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

In short, I don't belive they eat every day like like fish do, or will.
More like snakes.

It's also plausible , it may be indicative that it's in a breeding cycle. I.e. Well fed. Ready to spawn.


From my research book marks.
A bit long winded but good
http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/octokeep.php

http://www.octopusworlds.com/atlantic-pygmy-octopus/

A very good and active resource (was anyway)
https://www.tonmo.com/pages/octopus-pet-checklist/

Adding. Be sure of it's species and make sure it's not a temperate (cold water) animal.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Ps. Totally jealous.

Good luck Clyde !!

 

[Thomashtom]

In short, I don't belive they eat every day like like fish do, or will.
More like snakes.

It's also plausible , it may be indicative that it's in a breeding cycle. I.e. Well fed. Ready to spawn.

Octopus need to eat everyday . You can skip a day maybe once a week. You need to feed to feed them alot and have very good filtration preferable a wet/dry filter with a very good skimmer. Temp is also a factor which is why you should try to find out where he came from or what kind he is so you can adjust temps accordingly. Most species dont live long up to a year at best. Good luck. Thanks Tom
From my research book marks.
A bit long winded but good
http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/octokeep.php

http://www.octopusworlds.com/atlantic-pygmy-octopus/

A very good and active resource (was anyway)
https://www.tonmo.com/pages/octopus-pet-checklist/

Adding. Be sure of it's species and make sure it's not a temperate (cold water) animal.

 

[jnj97]

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Oh my goodness. What a beauty !

 

[Scorpius]

Poor guy. Hope he starts eating. Pretty cool you have an octopus.

 

[jnj97]

I'm so upset he won't eat :'-(

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Did anything change recently around the tank? Any new equipment that could be adding more vibrations to the environment? Any new lights in the room or in the vicinity? Any change at all to the environment could be stressing him out to the point where he won't eat.

We're doing some remodeling at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and we needed to move our Pacific Octopus to a temporary enclosure. The temporary enclosure is in a backup area where there's a lot of ambient light. Her old enclosure was very dark and was much more to her liking. She's still eating, but she's very skittish and will ink if you startle her the slightest bit while trying to feed her.

I'd try to rule out anything changing in the environment. I don't have any direct experience with the Atlantic octopus, but I'd imagine they'd be just as sensitive to subtle changes to the environment or tank surroundings.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'm so upset he won't eat :'-(

Can we see the whole tank please?

 

[jnj97]

 

[jnj97]

Sorry that a the only one I have atm. I'm at work

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's fine. Momma gotta bring home the bacon (or shellfish)

Looks like a happy home.

Your on rodi ? How old? Loud music?

 

[jnj97]

Rodi yes. (I have a 125 also).
I checked it and the tds are at 0.
Clyde gets up around 4pm everyday. No loud music lol. Just the tv during the day(it's just me and the dogs home)
I honestly don't know how old he is. The place I got him didn't know either.