Source for tank bread cuttlefish

[Gordonious]

I have been considering keeping a cuttlefish for a long time, and want to find out if it is possible to obtain a species that I can keep in an aquarium in my home. Does anyone know of anyone who has bread Sepia officinalis in captivity or any other species that is not doomed to die.

(Please do not attack this thread assuming I am a newby. I am a university student that works with marine biologist. I want to know if a certain supplier is shipping them across the world and they are dieing a week later. I do not want to hear, "give up, it's impossible" with out explanation)

Jon

 

[GreshamH]

Have your tried the Cephalopods forum here on RC http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=38

Or www.tonmo.com?

I know a breeder, and may be able to turn him on to you. I'll forward this thread to him.

 

[Gordonious]

Hum... the Cephalopods forum... might be a good idea, lol. Thanks!

 

[Gordonious]

If I have a choice I would like to find a species that can be kept at higher temperatures. This way I could share a sump with my reef tank.(well a sump, a heater, a thermometer, a pump, a carbon filter, live rock... makes it a little easier on a poor college student) I kind of doubt I will have a lot of options though.

The other option was <A HREF="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1973&N=0">Live Aquaria</A>, but they only have (Sepia officinalis) and they seem to be out and if they had them shipping would be expensive and stressful on the animal/animals.

 

[Gordonious]

If I have a choice I would like to find a species that can be kept at higher temperatures. This way I could share a sump with my reef tank.(well a sump, a heater, a thermometer, a pump, a carbon filter, live rock... makes it a little easier on a poor college student) I kind of doubt I will have a lot of options though.

The other option was <A HREF="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1973&N=0">Live Aquaria</A>, but they only have (Sepia officinalis) and they seem to be out and if they had them shipping would be expensive and stressful on the animal/animals.

 

[Thales]

Sepia officinalis is not generally suitable for the home, mainly because of the tank size needed per animal - current recommendation is 200 gallons per animal. And, no one is currently breeding them for the trade in the US.

Sepia bandensis are better, but can be harder to find. For more info check out:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/9/aafeature
and
http://www.tonmo.com/cephcare/cuttlefishcare.php

 

[Gordonious]

Thanks Thales. I hadn't thought to check advancedaquarist and I've only been on the Tonmo site a handful of times.

One of the main articles I had read elsewhere was recommending 40 gallon tank for a single specimen of Sepia officinalis. He had worked at a lab that had raised them for many generations. Perhaps he hadn't worked there long. I hate reading tank size recommendations sometimes though because 200gallons may have been suggested because water quality and not swimming issues. I've seen sites that say 200gallons+ for mandarin fish, but don't say why. I guess you learn more and more to rely on hobby websites less and less.
Looks like Sepia bandensis may be a better candidate for my situation. I'll begin reading about them tomorrow including those links. Thanks again.

Jon

PS. what species is that in your avatar and what type of substrate?

 

[Thales]

My Ave is a bobtail squid in the muck of Milne Bay, PNG.

 

[GreshamH]

Ule Feke, thanks for chiming in

 

[Gordonious]

Lol, alright. I hate asking to many question before I do the reading, but since your so quick to respond...

I see the photo of a cuttle eating a Cardinal fish. What disease, infections, or parasites if any might be transferable from bony fish to cuttlefish.(seeing as they aren't fish and are their biology is so different)

If I were able to breed coral banded shrimp or cleaner shrimp do you think these would make good treats. What about as a staple in their diet?

Would you say a 40g breeder might be ok for breeding a couple Sepia bandensis? If so, keeping in mind the water quality will be more then good enough for corals, how many do you think would fit comfortably and healthy in a 40g?

What substrates would you suggest? Strictly sand? Should I take extra care in getting fine or course sand? Would aragonite work? (what works and what is ideal)

I've got a lot to learn and will do my reading, but I've got to get my questions out before I forget to ask.

Jon

 

[Gordonious]

Are the well oxygenated comments I have seen directed at people who have not kept marine animals before or should the water in a system for cuttlefish contain more oxygen then you would typically want with corals?

 

[Gordonious]

Hey Thales. I didn't get your PM because my box was full. I tried to tell you it had room in it by PMing you, but I suppose your box is full as well, lol. Hit me up again when you have room in your inbox. I wish RC would warn you when it's close to full or something.

Jon