Blue Ringed Octopus

[gobytron]

this is really what happens when you post for advice on this board?
is everyone always this condescending?
like, who peed in your reef tanks this morning?


the Vacnouver is a joke between myself and a friend on this board btw and fyi.
but maybe I should change it now that I see how people are judged here.

[my2rotties]

Thank you for the awesome info...

[Delphinus]

You ask for advice, you get advice. Sometimes the answer isn't what you want to hear, doesn't make it condescending.

If you go for it, I wish you the best of luck with it. Heck, please post pictures, they're beautiful. But understand that this is a really silly way to underwrite such a huge risk to yourself. It's one thing to take upon the risk yourself but what of to those who visit you or live with you?

I don't see how the care of one would be any different than for any other octopus species. Just don't touch it I guess. I still don't understand the appeal, but, whatever.

[untamed]

I'm thinking about the Prism Pro....that is a hang on skimmer. You need some sort of plan that would allow the skimmer to flow into the top of the tank without the top of the tank having any opening at all. Maybe a fine mesh top that the skimmer flows through? Sounds like a salty mess in the making, however.

No answer from me...but you'll have to think that part through. Obviously, the top of the tank needs to be completely sealed. My understanding is that the octopus will squeeze through any opening smaller than it's beak. They are also strong for their size, so the top will have to be heavier than you expect so he just can't push it up/off.

I doubt you will find this a very interesting pet. It will probably hide virtually all the time. Small octopus are also not reputed to live very long...although I don't know the specifics of the blue-ring. Please share your tank build and experience (good or bad) so that others on the board can learn from your experience.

[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./

[Snaz]

Originally Posted by gobytron

It's already at Big Als, someone is gonna buy it or it's dead int he water there living in one of those hamster balls thats they keep all their hard to catch stuff in now.

Buying a rare/dangerous animal "Because it's already here" is the stupiest argument.

Big Al is going to see the sale of this animal that probably has a high markup and think well this one sold, lets order five more!"

[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.

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

You ask for advice, you get advice. Sometimes the answer isn't what you want to hear, doesn't make it condescending.

If you go for it, I wish you the best of luck with it. Heck, please post pictures, they're beautiful. But understand that this is a really silly way to underwrite such a huge risk to yourself. It's one thing to take upon the risk yourself but what of to those who visit you or live with you?

I don't see how the care of one would be any different than for any other octopus species. Just don't touch it I guess. I still don't understand the appeal, but, whatever.

Well put Tony, gobytron one of the major things you need to learn about this board is that the people here are not out to get you, were not here to put down your ideas or gang up on you and flame the crap out of you. Simply put the people on this board are just concerned for the well being of the creatures we look after and the friends we make here.

IMO getting a blue ring is an absolutely horrible idea, sealed tank or not, there's a reason that venomous reptiles are not aloud to be imported/ sold and I think that should apply to the blue ring. THERE IS NO CURE, if you get bit unless you make it to the hospital you die, simple as that. Cephalopods are Re-nound for dying in captivity and relatively fast, I know people that don't even get them home and there dead in the bag. Fundamentally your argument of "its already at the Pet store" is really flawed, if you PAY MONEY for it, the store says "wow we just made a profit on that lets bring in more deadly animals" and letting Big Als do this is as good as murdering people... If you decide to go ahead with it, good luck I would love to see some photos but you have to determine if the benefits out weigh the costs.

EDIT.

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

Lol I think there is, in the span of 5 mins like 7 people posted page long posts of all very similar info. Eh great minds think alike?

[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.