How to Care for a Pet Squid

People fascinated with the underwater world can have a piece of it in their homes by keeping aquatic creatures as pets. Fish are typical, but for something more exotic, you can own a pet squid. A squid is a cephalopod and is vaguely similar to an octopus. Squids are harder to care for than the more conventional tropical fish or goldfish, which people usually stock their aquariums with, but the exoticism of keeping a pet squid can make up for the challenge.

Things You'll Need

  • Large tank (at least 50 gallons in volume)
  • Seawater or marine salt
  • Water pump
  • Sand
  • Temperature regulator
  • Protein skimmer
  • Small fish or shrimp for feedings
  • Wire brush
  • Net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a large tank that holds at least 50 gallons.

    • 2

      Install a water pump that provides a regular supply of cold saltwater to duplicate the squid's natural environment. Marine supply shops may sell quantities of seawater for use in tanks; however, a more common solution is for you to prepare your own saltwater by dissolving marine salt into tap water according to the specific instructions on the packaging. There are a number of marine salt products available on the market; look for products that don't have nitrates or phosphates.

    • 3

      Install an automatic water temperature regulation system to ensure the water remains cold enough for the squid to survive. Keep the temperature between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Layer the bottom of the tank with sand, which is available at pet supply shops and aquaculture stores. You can also install other decorative aquarium items provided they aren't painted with artificial dyes, which may harm the squid.

    • 5

      Install a protein skimmer to filter out organic waste from the tank.

    • 6

      Feed the squid twice a week with one or two small fish, such as minnows or guppies, or shrimp per feeding. You don't have to cut up the fish; leave them whole, which is the way the squid would eat them in its natural habitat.

    • 7

      Clean the tank every other week by removing the squid with a net, placing it in a separate container of cold saltwater, scrubbing the glass surfaces of the aquarium with a wire brush and refilling the tank with fresh saltwater.