Should I be worried?

[dennisd78418]

I received a small octopus as a hitchhiker on some TBS live rock. I wanted to let him go because I was afraid I could not keep him alive (I live walking distance to the Gulf), but my wife fell in love with the little guy. So we set up a small tank for him w/ (I think) a secure lid. I put in a piece of rock that has a nice cave in it, and he shot into the cave and hasn't come out that I know of for two days. I added a couple of hermit crabs for him to eat. On day one, he took a few swipes at them when they came near the entrance, but since then I haven't seen him. I haven't found him dead either. I figure if he's dead in the tank the hermits would go in after him wouldn't they? I want to lift the rock and check on him, but don't want to spook him. What do you think? Thanks for any help you can give.

Dennis

 

[Gonodactylus]

Don't worry. There really is nothing more you can do. THis species is noctural and rarely comes out of its cavity during the day. Often they go for days without showing themselves.

Roy

 

[emmanuel]

I had a lot of cephs and they always come out to die if you have a nocturnal one the onlay time youll see it is at night with a red light they cant see the red light but you have to move slow

 

[dennisd78418]

Thanks for the info. He has started coming out and exploring the tank, sometimes during the day but mostly at night. I put several hermits and a couple of snails in the tank, but he hasn't touched them (except possibly one hermit that I can't find). Now I'm worried because he hasn't eaten. Any advice?

 

[emmanuel]

dont worry just be patient
I try to just stay back far enough that they see me but dont get scared in the begining it takes time for them to get used to you I had one that would come to me when it saw me but if my kids or wife were next to me it would hide

 

[EMG]

Man...I would have loved to have gotten that piece of Live rock...that is incredible.

 

[dennisd78418]

Yep, TBS live rock is great stuff. I see more critters everyday.