Octopus

[JeffYoshiyuki]

Ollie, male O. briareus, I had him for about 5 months. He was a beautiful octopus with his blue/green shimmer.

Here is a photo of him immediately after death. Notice his dilated pupils.

 

and another with a ruler.

 

Morpheus was a male (never positively identified) maybe abdopus. He showed the classic signs of senescence. He is still alive in this photo, just barley. Notice the corkscrewed arms, and mottled grey color.

 

I have also lost a couple of dwarfs O. mercatoris. These are nocturnal and much more difficult to view, they will not emerge unless there is total darkness. This is one very shortly after death.

 

I have to add, that octopuses are not slimey while they are alive but after death they are extremely difficult to handle. I have learned through other Tonmo members that photographs are invaluable. I photograph everything from acclimation to death.

why do they die after a couple months? short life?

[Lmecher]

Short lived animal and wild caught means age is unknown. A very small, young octopus is quite a find.

[JeffYoshiyuki]

Short lived animal and wild caught means age is unknown. A very small, young octopus is quite a find.

 

what do you do with the dead? lol if my parents knew i had a pretty big tako in my tank they probably eat it.

[Lmecher]

I don't know what a tako is.

 

Did they try to eat previous pets?

Just kidding but octopus is eaten all over the world. I admit I have tried some (years ago) at the urging of my daughter. I found it chewy. Now that I am more informed and have a deep appreciation for the amazing intelligent animals they are, I classify them right up at the top of the pet list with my cats and dogs.