Age question

[Crevalle]

Is it true that most octopus species do not live longer than 18 months? I would really like to get involved with cephalopods such as bimacs, but I wouldn't want to get attached to something just to have it die a few months later, even with optimal care. I guess I'm strange that way. Are there any varieties that are longer-lived? Thanks.

 

[OctoMonkey]

Nah, you are not strange... would be stranger to not get attached to any animal in your care

Well, actually 18months is probably over optimistic and if you can get an octopus to live out a full year you have done well! In my experience, and remember that octos are rarely offered as immediate hatchlings... probably about 8 - 10 months is average life expectancy..

Some species do live for several years but they are mostly deep sea or cold water octopuses that would require a chiller and temperatures of about 4 - 6 deg C

Cheers
C

 

[Crevalle]

Thanks for the info. It's unfortunate that such an intelligent animal has such a short lifespan.

 

[Gonodactylus]

Octopus live hard and die young. Behavioral plasticity helps them quickly aquire the food they need, avoid predators, and reproduce quickly. ALternatively, they could live a long, slow life, but watching my giant clam just doesn't provide the same excitement.

Roy

 

[OctoMonkey]

hehehehehehe well put!

 

[Crevalle]

Has anyone ever heard of someone being bitten by the blue-spotted octo? Ever seen one for sale?

 

[Gonodactylus]

Look up my artiicle on the Ceph Page.
It is at: http://is.dal.ca/~ceph/TCP/bluering1.html

Yes, people have been bitten and have died.

Roy

 

[DrChristianTroy]

Their high metabolic rate leads to increased release of oxidative products= tissue damage=shortened lifespan