Jesse Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Expert Only Temperament: Peaceful Reef Compatible: No Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.2-8.4 Max. Size: 5½" Diet: Carnivore Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements Origin: Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean The Atlantic Pygmy Octopus is also known as the Dwarf Octopus, and is covered with chromatophores that allow it to change colors quickly to mimic its surroundings. Unlike most animals, the Octopus has a rectangular pupil. It usually comes out at dusk to feed on small invertebrates or small sleeping fish. It uses its eight tentacles to bring the catch to its beak-like mouth. Of its total length, the arms will represent about 70%, with the mantle comprising the rest. The Octopus will do best in an aquarium if provided with plenty of live rock and ample hiding places and a large area in which to move. It prefers an aquarium with caves and medium to coarse substrate with low lighting levels. The ideal lighting for this aquarium is dim actinic lighting. The Octopus can be surprisingly strong, so in the home aquarium, it is best to anchor the rocks, or even glue them together to keep the Octopus from toppling the rocks into the glass or onto itself. Cover all tank openings very well or it will try to escape. The Octopus is sensitive to high levels of nitrates and phosphates, as well as any copper-based medications. It its best to maintain the Atlantic Pygmy Octopus in a species only aquarium with some live rock to aid in water stability. Always approach the Octopus slowly to avoid causing it to release its ink cloud in defense. In the aquarium, this release of ink will necessitate a large water change to avoid its death. The Octopus can be fed small live feeder shrimp or freshwater ghost shrimp. feeder shrimp. Any live foods should be fed spirulina based dry foods, plankton, and cyclops to enhance their nutritional value. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+500+2282&pcatid=2282 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Wish they lived longer, that is what will probably make me never try one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 Thats why you should try one. You only have to deal with its special needs for about 6-12 months. Mine last about 4-6 months. But was awesome the whole time. KMHREEFER 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted March 2, 2019 Author Share Posted March 2, 2019 anyone have one of these guys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted March 2, 2019 Share Posted March 2, 2019 I wonder if in retirement I'll have time to try all the things I never have time to because I'm always working? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 I would do it again. Only problem is, they don’t have a very long life span. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMHREEFER Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 I tried one years ago that was a hitchhiker in some live rock and given to me by a friend and it did fine for a week or so until it escaped its tank somehow and dried up. People thinks eels are the escape artists! Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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