Blue Ringed Octopus

[Myka]

The equipment you have listed will make your tank octo-escapable. The blue ring octopus has a beak that is like 1/4" if I remember correctly, and an octopus can squish out any opening that is smaller than its beak. That includes going up the output of the Prizm. You need to cover the top of the tank in its entirety, and they are much stronger than they look, so they can push the top off.

Are you aware that Octos are very short-lived? Are you aware that blue rings only show their blue rings when they are startled, irritated, or stressed? They normally just look like a brown blob, and really aren't overly exciting. Why not try a different type of octo?

Do you have any pets or kids or other people living with you that could be affected? If it escapes a nosy cat or dog or kid could easily get bitten checking it out on the floor.

sphelps has a red octopus right now, and although he hasn't had it very long he may be able to provide some insight for you.

Originally Posted by Delphinus

There are so many other options available for small species of octopus that realistically offer the same enjoyment but don't pose such a serious risk of instant-death to the unsuspecting consumer.

In any case, I don't think this is something that should be offered so casually as a "look what's available this week" sort of thing. IMO this species shouldn't be available.. there are others that are less dangerous and I dunno, but an octopus is octopus .. is it really necessary to have the machismo associated with keeping a bluering? I can't really understand any other reason why one would want one.

I agree 100%, especially the bolded part.

Originally Posted by OceanicCorals

My opinion id that these creatures should be left where they belong. I think it is irresponsible for retailers to import these creatures. Conus Snails and Blue Rings are a disaster waiting to happen.

My thoughts exactly.

EDIT: untamed posted pretty much the same thing as me at the same time. Is there an echo in here?

[gobytron]

blue ring is 39.99
and they have one now.
The also have a zebra octopus, but it's 229.99.
it's not about the machismo, but thank you for the insinuation, it's actually availability and price.
I'm getting used to this type of judgment call here now though and it no longer surprises me.
And no offense, but other than the last 3 or 4 posts, what advice have I been given here?

I cut a custom acrylic lid for the 32 gallon where the prizm water falls though some tiny holes I drilled in a 2" box or rim around these tiny holes that I built up like a mini overflow box and the xp1 fits flush on both the inlet and the outlet.
I put some fine mesh on the inlet for the Prizm pro and believe it or not, this idiot believes his setup is escape proof./

[Ron99]

My advice is don't. Don't underestimate the danger. You will have to have a completely (and I mean completely) escape proof tank and be extremely cautious. These are deadly animals in the same way rattlesnakes and cobras are deadly animals. I don't recommend people keep deadly snakes either. Tetrodotoxin is extremely potent. It takes very little to kill you. One small slip and that could be he end. If you want to take the chance that is your choice but this is advice based on actual knowledge of what that toxin can do to you. If you get bitten you better hope that you can get help within a very short period of time to start artificial respiration and possibly CPR.

The other issue is it sends the wrong message to Big Al's. They should not be selling the livestock that they do and buying it tells them it's okay to sell it. Sure, some other unsuspecting slob might just buy it but it would be much better to ask for the manager and demand that they take that animal away. Maybe call animal protection or the fisheries and wildlife department. I don't think Big Al's could get away with selling cobras so why is a blue ring octo okay? They are equally dangerous.

[Snaz]

What happens to the hobby when Big Al's teenage employee tries to fish this out not knowing the dangers or you make a mistake and fall over dead? The headline will be:

Exotic Deadly Octopus Kills Owner!

You can bet that will begin a firestorm of regulation along the lines of Vancouver's sweeping initiative to ban exotics. Some exotics should be banned but not non dangerous / non endangered ones.

[gobytron]

when he's pulling it out for me, I'll make sure to tell him to be careful.

[Myka]

sphelps' red octo was advertised at $95.99, and that's from a higher priced store since it's way out here in the middle of nowhere in Saskatchewan. You will pay too much for anything you buy at Big Al's though. Is $55 or even $190 difference worth the potential unintentional suicide that you may be inflicted with? Also, be aware that if anyone gets hurt by your blue ring that you will be held legally responsible even if that person is an intruder. I'm always surpised that stores will carry BRs since they escape so easily and have such a high risk.

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by Myka

The equipment you have listed will make your tank octo-escapable. The blue ring octopus has a beak that is like 1/4" if I remember correctly, and an octopus can squish out any opening that is smaller than its beak. That includes going up the output of the Prizm. You need to cover the top of the tank in its entirety, and they are much stronger than they look, so they can push the top off.

Are you aware that Octos are very short-lived? Are you aware that blue rings only show their blue rings when they are startled, irritated, or stressed? They normally just look like a brown blob, and really aren't overly exciting. Why not try a different type of octo?

Do you have any pets or kids or other people living with you that could be affected? If it escapes a nosy cat or dog or kid could easily get bitten checking it out on the floor.

sphelps has a red octopus right now, and although he hasn't had it very long he may be able to provide some insight for you.



I agree 100%, especially the bolded part.



My thoughts exactly.

EDIT: untamed posted pretty much the same thing as me at the same time. Is there an echo in here?

Now who's being pretentious?