URGENT- Bringing Home Octo Today

[lexcanaves]

Ok. My LFS told me that they can get Dwarf/Pygmy octopuses from their wholesaler down in the Florida Keys (I live in South Florida). They got two today that they THINK are Dwarf/Pygmy octopuses, but they are not sure. The description is "grey with some dark lines, and some spots". I know this is vague, but the pictures I have seen of Dwarf/Pygmies seem to be reddish. Could these still be Dwarf/Pygmies? I will try to post a picture later for better identification.
I really appreciate any insight, as this will be my first Octo and I wouldn't want him to outgrow my 36g by accident :]

ALSO, what are some vital signs to look for in a healthy octo? Dark eyes, pronounced coloring.... Anything would be helpful. Thanks again for any feedback whatsoever.

 

[Animal Mother]

Vital signs... just make sure the animal is changing color and not staying pale white, and that the arms aren't completely cork-screwed, like a spiral.

O. mercatoris being the most common pygmy from that area does usually stay red, but can change to shiney blue/green occasionally. Most commonly though it will be either red, red with white markings, solid black, or solid white. They have a "star" around their eyes. Five points that protrude from their skin.

 

[lexcanaves]

I did not notice any protrusions from around the eyes, but his coloring was reddish-brown, and only turned gray when I he was on the drip line. Once in the tank, he came alive! Exploring everywhere, and climbing higher the further I went from the tank. I am a little worried about what species he may be. His mantly is just over an inch, but his body from arm tip to arm tip is about 6 inches. Isn't that a bit large for a small species?
Here are some (bad) photos I managed to get last night:

 

[lexcanaves]

And a note on the eyes, they seemed to be round most of the time he was in the tank, only once did thjey look rectangular. They are pretty bulgy, bulbous and more to the front of his face than the sides. This blurry picture sort of shows that...

 

[lexcanaves]

** I meant the shape of the pupils

 

[Animal Mother]

Well, sounds healthy. Looks good from what I can see. The pupils will become round and enlarged in darker conditions.

I don't think it's a mercatoris. Arms seem way too long, as they're typically only about twice as long as the mantle for mercs. And you will usually see white mottled markings even when they are red.

Does it have any shiny green spots that you've seen? It looks like my briareus, and it could quite possibly be that. They inhabit the same waters as mercatoris. When mine was about that size it was always red and started showing the blue coloration a few weeks later.

Whatever it is, good luck with it. If it is indeed a briareus, it's going to need a really big tank pretty soon. I've had mine for 3 months and a few days.

Here's some video to show you how fast they can grow.
Arrived January 18th, this size. (in 8 oz. cup next to dwarf hermits)

About a week ago. Mantle about 3 inches, arms at least 12 inches.

 

[lexcanaves]

Oh wow. A Briareus would not be happy in my tank. I'm going to check him out a bit more tonight and see if there are any markings on the mantle. Thanks for the update, although I'm a little worried now.

 

[Animal Mother]

Sorry. Don't want to cause you any distress. Unfortunately the octopus trade is still in its infancy and there's a lot to be learned on the collection/sales end. Hopefully one of these days they will be properly identified before they hit the display at the LFS.

Otherwise, it's all a part of the learning process for us folks who enjoy keeping them.

 

[lexcanaves]

Its okay. Not your fault at all, knowledge is power. After seeing glimpses of him last night, I think you are right. And really, thanks for everything because you always have something helpful to say or experience to share.

 

[gholland]

Have to agree with AnMo... definitely not a Merc. Arms are too long. Can you try a flashlight at night and see if it is irridescent?

 

[Animal Mother]

 

[gholland]

Animal Mother... does Kalypso show that irridescence if you shine a light on her at night? I know she has amazing daylight colors!

 

[lexcanaves]

I'm going to try that. Two nights ago I didn't see him until about 2 in the morning, then last night I didn't see him at all. He has a clam, some hermits and snails in there but still no eating either. I will have to just sit and wait.
I shall update! Hopefully sooner than later.

 

[Animal Mother]

Yes she shows irridescent blue/green spots all over her body when the light hits her just right, and her eyes almost always have a green "glow" to them.

When I got her she escaped into the tank and disappeared for several days. I had to look at the tank with the red light to find her. After that I started offering pieces of frozen foods on a stick, just poking it around where I thought she was hiding. Eventually I got her attention. I think that was the most important step in getting her to change her nocturnal habits. The more they associate you with food, the more likely they will come out looking for you, and eventually it doesn't matter if its day or night.

 

[lexcanaves]

I just got some shrimp from the seafood section at the grocery store. I am going to start doing that tonight. :Crosses Fingers:

 

[lexcanaves]

The night before last, I was feeding scallop to my Serpent Stars on a stick like always, (it is about 9:00PM) and out comes Doctor Octopus. He charges for the scallop so I let him have it. He retreated back into the rocks with it, and then I found the scallop a 1/2 later, slightly chewed on, sitting on top of a rock. I tried poking around with some shrimp last night instead, but no show. So thats my update and I will keep trying until I=Food to Dr. Octopus! AND, I will have a camera/flashlight ready

 

[lexcanaves]

HIS FIRST KILL !!! An emerald mithrax crab and he got it all by himself :] I guess the hand feeding thing doesn't suit him lol.
Still not sure of his species though... Hmm
New pictures:

 

[lexcanaves]

 

[lexcanaves]

 

[Animal Mother]

Yeah, I'd say briareus.