Starting to get a little creeped out over the new "pet" coming in two weeks.

[fuzz16]

some are posionous do your research. try googling myfishtank great forum for fishy people.

they are VERY VERY smart and violent and can be very dangerous. need to make sure to have a great great filtering system and large tank. they could kill themselves if they get sick or release a chemical from stress

they are all wild caught so the average life span doesnt go past a few months. know too many people who have tried, and failed, at keeping these guys-their tanks being destroyed in the process.

if you want something neat..look into a mantis shrimp (a clap from their claw can break a weak tank wall!!! and their BEAUTIFUL) or some sea slugs. their not an octupus but even pro reefers i know who upkeep resturant aquariums have had very bad luck with them.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Octo's are supposed to be the second smartest creature on Earth. The do have amazing problem solving skills, so securing the tank top is no small task. We've had a bunch of tanks when we we're younger, but never got the salt water bug--had to take care of one when I was a lab assistant (the life of an under-grad) so I had enough. Had a Red Tiger Oscar and an Arrowana (sp) that were gigantic. Definitely want to see pictures.

 

[slavetoabunny]

How big of a tank do you need? Sounds like a very cool pet. Not very cuddly though!

 

[degrassi]

Good luck with your new pet.

I know someone that had an octopus and they are very hard to keep. He has 40+ years of fishkeeping experience and even he had a hard time keeping them. Make sure you stay on top of their water and secure the tank VERY well. If there is the slightest hole they will get out. Also watch what kind of filter you are using. If its not 100% secure they will crawl into the filter, or up the filter hoses. I also agree with locking the top of the tank closed. Research, research, research. I wouldn't rely on a aquarium service to keep up with maintenance. An octopus will need more then weekly/bi weekly care most provide. So make sure you are comfortable and understand all the aspects of maintenance because if something goes wrong you need to act fast.

Definitely one of the hardest animals to keep in an aquarium. If you don't succeed dont' get discouraged. You might want to try something like seahorses. They make an interesting tank. But I have to respect jumping right into a salt tank. If you got the money I say go for it!

 

[LuellaJean]

OMG I can't wait to see pictures! What a cool pet! I didn't even know that you could have octopus as pets!

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

Thanks you for the concerns. Mimic octopi are not poisonous or dangerous to people in anyway. The tank is a 75 gallon specially designed custom built octopus enclosure that was put together special for us by a aquarium expert who specializes in invertebrates. That same guy is the one who is preparing the water and securing a captive bred two month old. Yes there are captive bred babies out there. The filter is also custom and specially designed for invertebrates. We are not just tossing a wild caught octopus into a fish tank . Jason has done his homework and believes in doing things the right way. Our aquarium guy guarantees his work to the point that we get a full refund if the octo dies due to water issues or tank problems. He also throws in lifetime tank care and water testing. I don't think its going to be a problem

 

[degrassi]

Sounds good. Take lots of pics I'm interested to see the setup and what the tank/filter looks like.

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

I will upload some pictures of the setup tonight. Its actually really pretty. The coral is live and very pretty its also doing very well. It has live rock and the water is this beautiful aqua blue

 

[SnowyShiloh]

I know you said they aren't dangerous to non-fish but I have this terrible mental image of Fraggles chilling in her cage and the octopus coming up behind her and strangling her like a horror movie.

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

:NIGHT OF THE OCTOPUS: sounds like a good horror movie. Regardless of how smart it is I am sure Fraggles could take it out any day!

 

[gmas rabbit]

maybe that is why Fraggles is running around with her dewlap in her mouth. Practicing retreiving methods to return the octopus back to its cage.

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

LOL! That's great. Solves that mystery. Thanks Alma

 

[Azerane]

Ooh, fantastic! Octopus are such fascinating, intelligent creatures. I would agree with putting either a padlock or a heavy weight on top of the tank lid, just to ensure it can't push it open if it does manage to figure out how. What a fantastic thing to own, I know some fun thing you can make for it include jars with screw-top lids and putting some food inside the jar, then it has to figure out how to unscrew it etc.

Sounds expensive but like a whole lot of fun

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

Yes screw top lids,tupperwear containers,plastic easter eggs and puzzles made out of lego's are all things that you can hide food in. Jason will have fun coming up with idea's to keep Tattoo happy.

 

[Luv Buns]

lol I'm sure he will! Wonder if an octopus gets aggervated at the box in a box, in a box, in a box ,in a box, in a box ... etc..

 

[slavetoabunny]

I did some reading on the mimic octopus. They do sound like very smart and interesting creatures. A bit creepy though! I can't wait to see pictures!

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

Its only the behavior I find creepy. I think the mimic is actually really beautiful. Its the idea that it will be watching us. I mean Fraggles watches us but she is not "observing" us. She is waiting for the treat bag to emerge. This thing on the other hand is going to be THINKING! That's creepy.

 

[JadeIcing]

OMG finally an animal I wouldn't even if my life depended on it want.

I can't wait to see pics though.

 

[I_heart_Fraggles]

You don't want a octopus? I thought EVERYONE wanted a octopus.

 

[JadeIcing]

Umm no haven't you seen Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus or Giant Octopus!?