How to Keep an Octopus In a Home Aquarium

The octopus is an extraordinary animal. They have three hearts, blue blood and an incredibly high level of intelligence. Many species are capable of changing color and even imitating the shapes of other animals. They are highly inquisitive and will interact with objects placed in the tank. All in all this makes octopi fascinating creatures to keep in an aquarium. However, they are sensitive creatures and not suitable for people without the experience or commitment to maintain their environment at optimal levels.

Things You'll Need

  • 18" by 18" by 36" aquarium for small species, larger if possible, with tight fitting lid
  • Rocks
  • Very fine aquarium sand
  • Food-grade plastic tubes
  • Protein skimmers
  • Carbon water filtering pump
  • Water chemistry testing kits
  • Nontoxic toys
  • Crustaceans
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pile rocks in the aquarium so that they provide places for the octopus to hide. Glue them to base of the aquarium and put a layer of sand several inches deep in the bottom of the tank. Provide a number of different sizes of plastic tube for the octopus to investigate. Fill the tank with full salinity seawater.

    • 2

      Keep the octopus on its own, without other fish or corals. They will either eat or be eaten by the octopus. Do not keep more than one octopus in the same tank.

    • 3

      Fit the lid securely and place a weight on top if necessary. Even a small octopus can be very strong and they are experts at escaping from tanks.

    • 4

      Run all filters and skimmers constantly to keep the tank chemistry regulated. Maintain the temperature of the tank at a constant level, the exact temperature will depend upon the species. Make sure you know if your octopus is a cold or warm water variety and maintain the tank temperature accordingly.

    • 5

      Use the chemistry testing kit to test for copper in the water before introducing the octopus. Remove all water and thoroughly rinse all objects if copper is detected, before adding more water and testing again. Monitor salinity, ammonia nitrites and nitrate daily. The latter can be tolerated up to about 70ppm while the others must be kept as close to zero as possible. If you detect higher levels than this, replace about 25 percent of the water per day and purchase more powerful filters and skimmers. Replace 25 percent of the water every other week regardless of levels detected.

    • 6

      Feed the octopus crustaceans, such as shellfish and crabs. An octopus a foot across can eat about four medium-sized mussels or other shellfish a day. Lower them into the tank with a wooden spoon to tempt the octopus toward you.

    • 7

      Provide a range of different toys for the octopus to play with. Anything which is suitable for children is suitable for the octopus. Swap the toys around regularly.