Octopus

[pipsqueak]

Hi, i'd like to know, if Octopus's (any species) is available in singapore? I heard they're banned because of their defense mechanism which causes itching should you come in contact with it.

[DragonGoby]

No, I think you've got the wrong info somewere - what defence mechanism? The only few things you should note though:

1) Their bite - most octopi have VERY hard bites that can break skin
2) Suckers - if you have a large octopus, the suckers can be very strong and an attempt to peel off an octopus hanging on to you will result in sucker marks
3) Escapes - these guys are escape artists and you need a very secure tank

Another point to note - blue-ringed octopi are sometimes offered for sale. Unless you are trained in handling venomous animals, I'd strongly recommend you NOT to purchase these. Their venom is extremely potent and reports of fatalities are not uncommon.

Regards,
Hong Yee

[pipsqueak]

Defense mechanism, black ink...which the shoot out when they are trying to escape
Ok thanks alot..
yea, i heard they were great escape artiste..one such story being, this octopus left its tank, crawled across the room in to the fresh water tank, and ate fishes from it, and returned to it's tank. This happened in a pet shop in America..
Are there any LFS here that has octopus's for viewing?

[kelstorm]

octupus can be found in reborn or pac marine from time to time. usually placed in containers.. those are the common types..

[pipsqueak]

Containers! sheesh! thanks for the info!

[Mez]

Please note that Octopuses (not Octopi, though some marine biologists say Octopi, it is actually Octopuses) will escape through any small hole.
When i say small, i mean small. If you have any holes in the tank hood, they need to be covered up with several layers of tape. these holes can be the size of a small coin, and they will still get through them.
Also please note that most fish will get eaten.
You should have a hiding place such as a pipe in the tank, or even better, a large bottle glass bottle (that has been rinsed thoroughly beforhand).

[pipsqueak]

hmm, thanks for the info....anyone knows what size do they grow up to? say, for a common octopus. Besides pipes and glass bottles are rock caves are alright too eh?
Thinking of having one next time, like just for the octopus, so i wouldnt have any fatalities.

[Mez]

Caves will do, but they prefer something to squeeze into. this includes your filters..
There are many "common" octopuses..try to find out the type..

[pipsqueak]

ok, thanks!

[zulnaldo]

Guys,
how much does the common octopus cost? price range maybe?

[BFG]

Maybe can use flower pot as caves wif coral rock 2 hide the pot. Blue ring octopus does exist in Sg waters am I rite? Octopus are smart. They won't try 2 escape while u watching it but will wait.

[kelstorm]

no matter what u use as a cover for them, just make sure that the tank is well covered up.. if not, u will be able to have tako balls soon... []

[kelstorm]

as for the price range, sorry.. cant help u out here.. coz i never even consider buying them at all.. but u can ask ard..