Quick Octopus Question

[Ephlaxph28]

I have a Bariarus (spelled wrong?) Octopus that I've had in my tank for about a month now, and I've set up a science fair project based around the ink of octopuses.

So my question is:

1.) Will my octopus be capable of inking?
2.) Are there anyways to force ink an octopus/ ideas on stressing him into inking?

Feel free to post or PM me.

Thanks
Phil

 

[Animal Mother]

Yes it can ink. There are several ways to do it. Wouldn't suggest any of them because they involve terrorizing the poor animal and the stress can cause it to die. And in a 20 gallon tank (assuming the one in your signature is the tank the octopus is in) an ink incident is going to be a big problem, on top of the bioload issues an O. briareus is going to create.

They can grow to 24" arms, 7" head. I question keeping mine in a 75 gallon considering it will be able to reach both sides from the center of the tank.... a 20 gallon is just not going to be sufficient in the long run.

2.5 cents.

 

[Ephlaxph28]

my 20 is a holding tank untill I get my 80 fully set up.
he should only be there for another week or two.

 

[dreadhead119]

I would listen to AM!I have a Briareus also,they are great pets.To force one to ink would be wrong to say the least.

 

[Ephlaxph28]

I realise that some ways would be cruel to the animal,
thats why I'm asking for ideas.
I'm not going to use your ideas, I just need to get an idea for how hard it would be to get him to ink.
please just let me know your ideas,
I realise just about everyone is going to say
"Dont terrorize a poor innocent creature."
I'm not going to and I just need help answering my questions.
Thanks.

 

[Animal Mother]

Any stress might cause it to ink. Startled by approaching it too fast, a hand in the tank, anything that the octopus could feel threatened by. Octopuses are like dogs. Some of them are skittish and easily spooked, some of them are bold and come charging at you, some of them are mellow and not all that concerned with your presence. Each one has a different disposition.