octopus

ben canant · Aug 5, 2013

hey people i have a couple questions, id like to get a small octopus and wondering what is the smallest size one i can get? id also like to know if there would be a way to keep it in a 20 gallon or smaller. i just would like some info and to learn more about them.

revhtree · Aug 5, 2013

Bump!

ifarmer · Aug 5, 2013

20g , is that a sump or your display?
do you have a sump on your setup?

Kworker · Aug 5, 2013

I've looked into it before, I have read there are dwarf species that could be tricky to find. Also the other issue is according to sources I came by, they only live for about a year which is why I decided against keeping one. Besides the fact they can be tricky to get eating.

Best of luck.

-KC

Battlecorals · Aug 5, 2013

Octos rule.

I have had two over the course and loved them both

To answer your question there is an ideal octo for a smaller tank called the dwarf or Pygmy.

The drawback to this species is that you will probably never see the thing

They are very shy and I believe nocturnal even so while you'll enjoy the cool feeling of owning an octo. You won't enjoy much more than that

A bimac in a 55 at the least would be ideal for you and your octo.

The tank would need to be sealed almost completely. With the exception of an in and out for a decent canister filter. I never had one get out on me but they are notorious escape artist.

I would advise doing some good general research before you dive in but I have said it before. Having an octo is about as cool of a critter as you can get

They make fish seem very boring and are more on par with a cat or a dog once they get to know you

Good luck

OrionN · Aug 5, 2013

They don't live long. Their life span is 1 or 2 years,

Duffam3434 · Aug 5, 2013

I heard a story about an Octo a few years back. This guy would keep a stool infront of the Octos tank with his food on it. He woke up a few days in a row to his food being gone. Then the next day he set out a Camera and saw his octo climbing out of his tank and grabbing the food and bringing it in the tank and eating it!! Ive never owned one but i hear they are Very Intelligent animals! If you end up getting one Id love to see Pics of the little guy!

joeogio · Aug 5, 2013

Hey I know a guy who keeps a mimic octopus in a mixed reef tank. I think its a 120g tank with basic equipment. I personally dont agree with a lot of his tank husbandry (or lack there of) but to each his own

The smallest octopus I know of is the blue ringed octopus. They are very pretty but very dangerous. Also they have a short life span of like 3 years I can't remember exactly its been a while since I read up on them

Battlecorals · Aug 5, 2013

You do not want a blue ring

navila06 · Aug 5, 2013

I had one in my shark tank for about 3 years. then released it when it got too big.

ben canant · Aug 6, 2013

thanks people!! i have heard that they are very good escape artists. i dont know what kind of canopy id put on it. like a custom lock?

Mike J. · Aug 6, 2013

I am not trying to be rude. In my opinion anyone who has to ask about the different octopi and their sizes needs to do about six months more research on them before attempting to raise one. I used to be responsible for octopi at a public aquarium.

ben canant · Aug 6, 2013

oh ok i will, but how did you keep them from escaping?

Mike J. · Aug 6, 2013

I had over 120 pounds on the lid of the tank and it could push it open and get out. They are very strong. Found it on the floor occasionally and one time in another tank where it killed several high dollar fish. I have lots of stories about how they're smarter than me.