What Type of Octopuses Can Be Found in a Salt Water Aquarium?

Octopuses are eight-legged cephalopods that are, according to Animal Planet, on of the most intelligent of invertebrates. Whether in the wild or in captivity, they have short lifespans, with some species living no longer than six months. Octopus exhibits often feature a variety of these animals for public viewing and education. For home tanks, certain types of octopuses can survive in captivity under the right conditions.

  1. Common Octopus

    • O. vulgaris, which is the common octopus, is one of the species that can be kept in aquariums. This type of octopus is found worldwide and is approximately 24 to 36 inches long as an adult. Although their normal color tends to be brown, they frequently change color to blend into their environment or to reflect their mood. The common octopus may live up to 24 months.

    Giant Pacific Octopus

    • When in captivity, Enteroctopus dofleini, or the giant Pacific octopus, is found in public saltwater aquariums. Because a grown giant pacific octopus can weigh up to 100 lbs., it is not suitable for the home and requires a 500-gallon tank or larger. This type of octopus has a tendency to be cannibalistic when held in captivity and will live for approximately 3 to 4 years.

    Caribbean Reef Octopus

    • Also known as O. briareus, the Caribbean reef octopus requires a 30-gallon or larger saltwater tank. Because this type of octopus is adept at escaping its tank, the lid must be securely closed at all times. This type of octopus weighs approximately 35 oz. and can change its skin color. Its coloring varies from iridescent bluish-green, to red-marbled to brown. The Caribbean reef octopus has a one-year lifespan and is considered one of the most cannibalistic of its species.

    Caribbean Pygmy Octopus

    • The Caribbean pygmy octupus, O. joubani, can be kept in a tank that is a minimum 10 gallons. It weighs 3.5 oz. and has a lifespan of approximately 6 months to 1 year. O. joubani are the least likely to escape from their tanks, and because they are nocturnal they often hide during the day. This species of octopus is not cannibalistic in nature.

    California Two Spot Octopus

    • O. bimaculoides, which is the California two-spot or bimac octopus, is characterized by two rings or spots that have the appearance of eyes. These spots are located on the mantle below the actual eyes of the octopus. The adult is medium-sized and should be kept in a 50-gallon or larger tank. They generally have a friendly nature and can live to be 1 to 1 1/2 years old.