Random questions...

[stellablu]

Octopus and spotted ray...

One of the LFS I go to have two creatures that caught my eye, as I've always been interested in them. A blue spotted ray and a small white octopus (forgive me the name escapes my mind). However, I was doubtful that they'd keep as pets easily. I just wanted to know any stories or experiences any of you have had with either of them.

I've been reading up on both, along with the *little* bit of information the LFS actually knew without having to go look up the answer themselves.

As far as the ray, I've read you need at least 55 gallons as they get up to 10 inches w/o tail. They seem basically easy to keep being that they appear to be pretty hardy. I live in Florida where we have rays at our footsteps at any given time and feeding centers for educating the young (and unknowledgeable fishermen who chop of their tails) about the fish. As far as the ray goes, I know a guy who builds tanks and he could make me a square 250g if I wanted.

As far as the octopus goes, the most important piece of information seems to be "octi-proofing" the tank. I know of one person who came home to find the octopus missing only to find him a week later behind the couch dead. I have read while most people suggest keeping them alone, they can peacefully co-exist with brittle stars and other stars. However, I would think the tank would have to be larger than 30g...especailly if introducing stars. Am I wrong? I have read on several websites and boards that people have kept their octopi in 20-30g.

I just wanted to hear any experiences board members might have had with either of these creatures. I am just doing research because one day (when more time and money are available) I want to create a few single species tanks and I don't know what I want to house in them. No hurry, just curious.

P.S. The LFS also has a beautiful adult Stars & Stripes Puffer. He is definitely on my prospective purchase list.

 

[TheGuppy]

We've had octopi at my store before (i work at an aquarium store), and in my opinion they're more hassel than they're worth. If you wanted one, yes it needs ALOT of room, and probably isn't gonna too friendly to alot of things. It might be best to keep it alone, or only with other large fish. In my expirience they also tend to be finiky with water conditions (expecially nitrates and amonia.)

however, it is very possible to keep them successfully. i would recommend doing alot of research.

-guppy

 

[OrionGirl]

Depends on the type of ray, but IMO, a 55 is way, way too small. While the disk may be 10 inches, the length of the tail is important--you don't want it whacking into the sides of the tank or scraping on rocks. They need lots of open sand, so filtration would be a concern. An octopus on the other hand, will dpend on the species--many stay reasonably sized, about the size of a fist, and will be okay in 29. Again, over filter! But, they really are very hardy, not sensitive to poor water conditions (though of course poor water conditions are not good for them, just not immediately lethal). For companions, neither a ray nor a octopus will be safe with very many animals. Octopus will go after most crustaceans, and some fish, while rays will do the same.