Stressed out Octos

[fishgk]

Hey guys,

I am working on a research project in my lab, using 8 octopus bimaculoides. I am moving one at a time over a period of 2-3 weeks, sometimes up to twice a day. I feel that the stress level of the octopuses is elevated to the extent that it is affecting my trials. Do any of you know a way to reduce stress while moving them from their home tank to the experimental tank? I am currently moving them using their burrows from their home tanks, which is a clay flower pot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sepiola]

Maybe you can try feeding them before and while you are moving the animals. It's just a guess because in general we leave the animals in peace.

 

[fishgk]

i'm afraid to disturb them while they are eating...i'm going to try to cut the light down when i am moving them and see if that helps... i am also going to leave any toys that they are attached to with them when i'm moving them. we'll see what happens!

 

[fishgk]

update...simply leaving the toys in the motile burrow and cutting the light during transport has helped a lot. i have some pretty content little guys running beautiful trials!!