Can you keep an octopus as a pet?
Can you buy a baby or adult octopus, and have it as a "pet?"
Update:Lol, I just want to get this straight:
I am not looking to actually own an octopus.
I had been watching a show about them, and I was just simply wondering if having them as pets had ever been heard of.
So don't worry, guys! I have no interest in getting a poor octopus for a pet... (Not even saltwater fish-- beautiful, but way too much work and maintence). My mother has one at her dental office, haha.
Thanks!
Comments
Yes and No...
They are saltwater and need specialize aquarium conditions that beginners just cant offer. They need a large tank with an excellent filtration system. They also need a fit fitting lid with added weight as they will escape.
There are plenty of marine keepers who can keep octopuses but these are skilled marine keepers and it takes alot of time and skill to keep them alive in the home aquarium.
That doesn't sound like a very good idea. It doesn't matter how small the octopus is, it wont be happy living an a tiny fish tank. I live near a large aquarium, and they let the small octopus they had (which was kept in a very large tank.) go because it wasn't a good environment for it. Octopus aren't kept as pets for a reason.
my dad used to say..... "if you can't keep a goldfish alive, just forget it."
saltwater creatures are really hard to care and requires a lot of doh $$$ to keep and maintain. if you're serious, try getting set up with the help of research. and look up the prices for average saltwater aquariums. and from there, if you're a novice of fish keeping, start out with a cheap fish and move on to more expensive fish like dolphins or whales, whatever you like. you'll realize that it might be too much work and time.
but octopus??? not sure about that one. i go fishing and i hook them once in awhile. i play with them a little then throw em' back. cruel right?
i don't think pet stores will have them. if they specialize in saltwater, ask them if you can make a special request of an octopus if possible. they'll look at you weird but it doesn't hurt to ask right. or you can try looking up online. good luck
Not unless you have "deep"pockets and a long history of keeping marine creatures. Besides, octopus are great escape artisit and can get out of most tanks. It's not for the casual hobbisty.
Yes you can, but it requires a lot of care and a conplex diet though don't expect the ones you see at the aqaurium more like..teeny ones. Like this...http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cf...
It is extremely difficult, and not at all fair to the octopus.
it can be done ,, but , seriously not recommended for a novice