Octopus briareus photos and videos

[dsaundry]

Specialized tanks is what I said, they have to have a top like you said and there is a lot more care in setting up the system to prevent escape. I don't recall saying anything about special equipment. I say cudo's to you for your success in raising the little fella, my concern is for impulse buyers picking up one and not knowing how to properly take care of it.

[corpusse]

I guess I just wouldn't use the term "specialized" While he is in a custom tank there is nothing "special" about it. He could be kept with corals, I just don't bother since I have a reef a few feet away. I used to keep some softies in the tank but not anymore.

Fed a couple more fiddlers today. I've had them for months and months so I should burn through them before they die. The filter on their tank died and I don't plan on replacing it, however the small amount of water is still clear and does not smell. There's probably another aquaclear in my basement somewhere I should check...









I don't put the lid on the jar one because i think it's made of copper and two I'm not sure if he would be able to get it off. He has been hesitant at times to go in the jar and prefers to reach in and pull the crab out.

[Rogue951]

I think I heard of a video where an octo learned to unscrew the jar. haha.
Good stuff.

[Funky_Fish14]

Great stuff! Your octo seems like a fun 'little' guy! Thanks for sharing! Gorgeous critter too, and kudos to caring for him well!

Cheers,

Chris

[corpusse]

I tried to get an accurate measurement of his mantle but the silly guy is afraid of the tape. The camera flash doesn't bother him but measuring tape even on the outside of the glass does...

I'd estimate his mantle is about 2.5" I know arm to arm he can reach about 27" maybe more if he's fully stretched out.

[Funky_Fish14]

Thats a pretty darn impressive size!

[corpusse]

So the last couple of days have been pretty interesting. Yesterday it looked like it was snowing in the tank. I looked a little closer and there are tiny suction cups everywhere. He shed his skin.

This morning, he was going absolutely crazy. I watched him for a good hour, he went everywhere in the tank, going in an out of holes, almost like he was showing me what he can still fit through even though he's so much bigger now. He also reached the bottom of the tank right to the top. (24" high but I already knew his arms were that long). He did many different colour changes and puffed up to make himself look even bigger. I took several photos but really wanted to get some video. Unfortunately all I have is a crappy pocket hd camcorder that does TERRIBLE in low light. I took a couple of videos then used a little 10k dymax led light with the camera and got a few decent shots. I thought about turning on the tank lights early but did not want to screw with the timer.

After watching for a bit longer I gave him a piece of shrimp. Now this was really unexpected. He swam up to my arm and grabbed it with all 8 of his. Usually he holds on with 2-3 arms and uses the rest to brace himself against the rock so I can't pull him towards me. This time he was going all out. I could not hold my ground, well I probably could but was not going to injure him. So in I went and I thought for sure I was going to get bit but once I let go of the shrimp in my hand he eventually let me go.

I really really wish I could have video taped that but unlike my octopus I only have 2 arms so it could not be done.

Not sure how to post youtube links into the thread but here are the videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6J-gtcS9Zg&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz8VHt_1SUM&hd=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9MdbdXzqyo&hd=1

and some new photos

At first he didn't want his picture taken :



but then he must have realized a meal was coming