The Breeder’s Registry©Information contained in this report is taken from submitted observations from aquarist unless noted otherwise (see comments). Information may be reproduced providing the Breeder’s Registry is cited.

Breeder ID: OCTSPE-010998-FENJOH-001

Date: 1/9/98

Identification: Octopus sp.

Geographic origin: Pacific

Taxonomy: (after I.C.Z.N.)

Description: Body ~10 x 5 cm., eyestalks are 2 x 1 cm.,overall diameter 45-60 cm. Two false eyespots ~1.25 cm., that are below and in front of each eyestalk. Similar in appearance to the Octopus briareus.

Length of time in captivity: acquired 12/12/97. Died 2/17/98

Size (mm): Adult female, 45+ cm

Adult diet: Assorted tank mates: hermit crab, Green crab, ghost shrimp(3 cm.), killie, Yellow Tang, goldfish.

Pre-spawning activity: Beginning 12/26/97 began wandering tank 3 days prior to laying eggs on 12/29/97. Ate night of 12/28/97. Gathered all loose shells, rocks and equipment in tank and brought them into “her” corner.

Time egg deposition began: afternoon / evening. First eggs discovered at 7:00 PM

Area spawning occurred: Lower back corner. She chose an open corner out of the current instead of a covered “cave” with a current.

Frequency of spawning: Only once

Egg description: Translucent whitish eggs. 3 – 5 “hot dog” shaped eggs attached to each string in a mass (festoon).

Approximate quantity: 150 – 250

Size: 1 x .3 cm

Egg changes / development: After 18 days a noticeable embryo was visible filling 1/4 of the egg. At 21 days the embryo filled 3/4 of the egg. 23 days, the eyes visible.

Incubation period: First hatchling at 31 days. (1/31/98) Hatching continued through 2/7/98

Time hatching occurred: morning

Newly hatched appearance: Opaque white, only exterior color visible is mottled brown on the head and top-body region. Phototrophic, keeping to the top of the tank (pulsating) for the first 2 hours after hatching. Attaching to the side and gradually moving downward. Able to quickly change from white to dark brown

Size at hatching: body: 4 x 6mm -7-8mm x 3-4 mm. Legs: 0.25-.5 x 3 – 4 mm – 8-11mm x .5-1 mm.

Transfer / removal method: not removed

Fry development / changes: 2 weeks; two groups, growth-wise. 12 are noticeably larger( 2X the size) than the others. Possibly the first caught ones? Body 1.5 x .4-.6 cm, tentacles 2-3 cm, 1.5-1.75 cm diameter at rest. 3 weeks; average size: body, 1-1.5 x .4-.6 cm; tentacles, 2-3 cm(diameter 4.5 – 6 cm). 5 weeks; four have grown to: body-2.0-2.25 cm, tentacles-4.0-4.5 cm.

First food offered: newborn guppies

Second food offered: mysid shrimp, day 2.;Inland silverside, day 12 – 13 (Menidia beryllina ). Feeding twice per day at week 3 – 4.

Survival: 24 total collected. 2 died first week (1 deformity); 4 lost 2^nd week due to cannabalism; Week 3 lost 1.

Spawning tank size (liter): 110

Sides of tank covered? No

Lighting & photo-period: 2 30 watt flourescent. 14 hours. Mounted 40 cm from surface. Bulbs changed every 6 months.

Filtration: Wet / dry trickle. Pumping volume 360 lph. Reef Crystals® ASW. Change 15 liters per week (4 gallons).

Additives and dosages: none

Water temperature (F): 82 fluctuates down to 79 at night

Specific gravity: 1.0225

pH: 8.2

Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate: none detected

Phosphate: 0.75 – 1.0

Rearing tank size (liter): same as above using floating containers (12 – 32 ounce deli-containers with a snap-top) or PennPlax breeders.

Comments: A log was kept giving greater detail to live foods (and sources) , behaviors at www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/5887

Word origin: Octopus is from the Latin root oct, -i, -o, meaning eight (8) and -pus from the Greek root meaning foot.

Vernacular name: Pacific octopus (?)

About this report: Information contained in this report is taken from submitted observations. Taxonomy, Synonomy, Original description , Word origin and Suggested reading are provided by member(s) of The Breeder’s Registry staff. Information is presented under the belief that it is accurate. If you have information in addition to, or contrary to that presented you are encouraged to contact the Breeder’s Registry. Permission is granted for “one-time” personal use. Reproduction as distributed or accessible media is prohibited without prior written permission. All rights reserved. 1998