Octopus for a 40 Gallon (New)

[MachMe]

So I think I am somewhat limited as to what octopus I can keep in my 40 gallon. I've been doing a lot research lately and pretty much came down to the Mercatoris dwarf octopus. I wanted a bigger or more active octopus though...

I really wanted a octo that would be active during the day. Any suggestions?

Also, if I do get a mercatoris is it likely to escape just like any other octopus?

Being such a large tank for just one dwarf, can I keep anything with it?

Thanks

 

[Gonodactylus]

I have good luck keeping Abdopus aculeatus in 35 gal systems. The system needs to be well run in and you need to be careful not to over feed and remove uneaten prey, as long as water quality is not an issue. they do well plue they are diurnal and very active.

Roy

 

[MachMe]

I have good luck keeping Abdopus aculeatus in 35 gal systems. The system needs to be well run in and you need to be careful not to over feed and remove uneaten prey, as long as water quality is not an issue. they do well plue they are diurnal and very active.

Roy

Hi Roy,

I have read many posts by you on TONMO as well as here. I find the research you do with blue rings fascinating. Problem is would I be able to find a Abdopus Aculeatus? I kinda heard its luck of the draw when ordering an Octopus. Water quality would not be an issue. It is securing the top that I'm worried about.

 

[NEK-ap24]

tagging along,
I am curious about Abdopus Aculeatus' availability and possible tank mates as well.

I have heard how impressive escape artists Octos can be, have you had any success with using clear 1/4" bird screen over the top of an aquarium to keep them in? If so that would perhaps be a solution for MachMe.

 

[Lmecher]

Maybe O. hummelincki also.
I use thicker plexi or lexan for a cover.
There are certain suppliers that have continually been a relatively reliable source for both A. aculetus and O. hummelincki. There is always that off chance you will get something else.
PM me, not sure if I can post them here.
Linda

 

[Lmecher]

Oh...tank mates, serpent and brittle stars (not green) are fine with octopuses. Hermits and snails may become a meal but pose no threat. (I keep them, buy when on sale and replenish supply) Corals (low sting) such as leathers, xenia, cloves/glove corals are fine as well. Urchins, many keep pencil urchins, mine began eating coral so he was banished, I keep a couple pincushions and as of yet not had problems however not recommended. Fish are not good candidates, they will eventually become dinner or in my case, they were nipping at the octopus, banished them as well. A lot of us keep peppermint shrimp. I have many in my 50 that have lived through several resident octopuses, for some reason octopuses are either unable to capture them, they are fast or they are unappetizing.

 

[NEK-ap24]

Thanks much Linda,
I was considering an aggressive tank, lionfish/moray eel combo, but I saw an octopus at the LFS and was very captivated. I have a 60 gallon mixed reef tank in the works and am trying to pin down the 40 gal. Display that will go next to it. More inverts would be welcome... How do you think clams would fair?

 

[Lmecher]

Clams, mussels, oysters are all on the menu. Your octopus would be happy, you not so much

 

[Lmecher]

I have heard how impressive escape artists Octos can be, have you had any success with using clear 1/4" bird screen over the top of an aquarium to keep them in? If so that would perhaps be a solution for MachMe.

I should have addressed the screen issue. I would stay away from anything metal. Eventually you will have rust issues. Any flaking that makes it's way into the tank is going to be a problem. Your are safer to stick with plastic or glass.

 

[NEK-ap24]

Haha, yes yes he would. But I definatley would not be! That would be an expensive mistake. Can you recommend a good book on learning more about octopus? I donenjoy them, but I am not sure without some interesting tank
Mates, it may leave my 40 a bit empty.

 

[NEK-ap24]

I think I should have called it netting. BRS sells it , as well as gardening suppliers, it is a clear plastic netting. Reef safe. The nice thing about it is that you can have air open rank look and feel, and evaporation if needed for cooling, without jumpers. I am not sure if an octopus would be able to move it away if it were free floating on the surface though. You
May need to secure it with a frame. Aluminum window screen framing works well for rectangular tanks, and al. is non corrosive.

 

[asid61]

Book on octos

Book on octos

Cephalopods: Octopuses and Cuttlefish for the Home Aquaria is a book on keeping them. :reading:

 

[deathy17]

how long can they live ?