Common name: common octopus
General information
The Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is a highly intelligent and adaptable cephalopod species, well-known for its problem-solving abilities and use of camouflage. This species is a master of disguise, capable of changing its skin color and texture to blend into its surroundings, making it a fascinating addition to the home aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs secure lid to prevent escape
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on live or frozen seafood
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on tank inhabitants
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tank mates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumMollusksMollusca
- ClassCephalopodsCephalopoda
- OrderOctopusOctopoda
- FamilyOctopusOctopodidae
- GenusOctopusOctopus
- Speciescommon octopusOctopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797
- SynonymsOctopus albus Rafinesque, 1814Octopus americanus Froriep, 1806Octopus americanus Montfort, 1802Octopus bakerii d'Orbigny, 1826Octopus bitentaculatus Risso, 1854Octopus brevitentaculatus Blainville, 1826Octopus cassiopea Gray, 1849Octopus cassiopeia Gray, 1849Octopus coerulescentes Fra Piero, 1895Octopus eudora Gray, 1849Octopus geryonea Gray, 1849Octopus heteropus Rafinesque, 1814Octopus maculatus Rafinesque, 1814Octopus moschatus Rafinesque, 1814Octopus niger Rafinesque, 1814Octopus niger Risso, 1854Octopus octopodia Tryon, 1879Octopus pilosus Risso, 1826Octopus rabassin Risso, 1854Octopus ruber Rafinesque, 1814
Care
Octopus vulgaris requires a species-specific tank setup with secure lids to prevent escape, as they are known to be quite the escape artists. The tank should have plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of live or frozen shrimp, crabs, and fish. It's important to note that they may prey on other tank inhabitants.
Reproduction
In captivity, breeding Octopus vulgaris can be challenging. After mating, the female lays clusters of eggs and tends to them until they hatch, after which she typically dies. The care of the larvae is complex, as they require small, live food and proper water conditions.
Symbiosis
While not known for symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, Octopus vulgaris can interact with other species in interesting ways. For example, they have been observed using coconut shells and other objects as tools for shelter and protection.
Habitat
Octopus vulgaris is found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow waters to depths of over 100 meters. They prefer rocky areas, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. Their natural range is quite extensive, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.