Anyone have experience with baby octopi?

[H2OMike]

I just put the remaining 55 lbs of live rock in my 55gal. (total 110lbs)

while looking at the tank with a flashlight at midnight last night, I found no less than 10 baby octopi, about 4.5mm each :shock: :shock: . now I know they're not doing any harm now...but I have no idea how fast they'll grow, or how to catch them when they do start causing mayhem ( I can't imagine a roving gang of octopi in my tank, looting and pillaging like Vikings.....)

anyone with experience or suggestions?

[michealprater]

Wow! I have never heard of such a thing! :shock: I dont know if thats a good find or a bad one, but definatly a interesting one. :mrgreen:

[Mikeaveli21]

Ya first time I have heard of that as well. If they are in fact octupi that will grow, then you may get in trouble. The most common octupus kept in this hobby is the O.bimaculoides which is said to need a minimum of 30 gallons. Due to the fact that they will eat just about anything they can get their hands on, that would pose a problem for any reef tank. But for now, maybe you can leave them in and see what transpires, but if you think there is a potential for any problems, sell them to your lfs or other hobbyiest. Either way, great find. :D

[steve1s]

If they are indeed baby octopus, there are a few things to be concerned with in caring for these guys. Be wary of any open power heads or filtration intakes, won't take long to lose some there. These guys have voracious appetites, especially when young and will not hesitate to make a meal from each other :shock:

They are also very curious no matter the size, so any opportunity to look around the house will be taken... :cry: They do require very good water quality and highly oxygenated water. As long as there is enough food and they behave, you should have success with some of them.. :D

Cheers
Steve

[H2OMike]

They are definitely Octopus....I'll call my LFS and see if they're interested, because I don't want them in the tank when/if they start getting bigger. Right now they'd have to get at least 5X bigger to take on anything else in the tank.

Any ideas on how to catch them?

[steve1s]

Put some small bits of food like pellets, one or two should do, into an upright jar and place it in the tank.

Won't take too long before they all migrate inside...

Cheers
Steve

[Lahatiel]

Is it possible for you to get any pictures? I would love to see those!

[pete_ra]

definitely- get the pics!