Discover all you need to know about buying an octopus for an aquarium with Aqua Creations

When it comes to exotic marine life, few creatures are as captivating as the octopus. Their remarkable intelligence, shape-shifting abilities, and hypnotic movements make octopuses a fascinating (and challenging) experience.

 

Adding an octopus to your custom aquarium can be a breathtaking addition to your space. At Aqua Creations, we specialize in crafting high-end aquariums tailored for exotic creatures like octopuses.

Can You Have an Octopus as a Pet?

Yes! Having an octopus in an aquarium is a captivating experience. They are incredibly curious creatures and enjoy engaging with their owners, toys, or puzzles. They can also change color and texture to camouflage themselves or express their emotions, making them a dynamic and ever-changing display that brings an unusual and unique piece of the underwater world into your home.

 

If you are choosing octopus for aquariums, it is important to be aware that they are not low-maintenance pets and require specific care and dietary needs, as do seahorses.

Understanding Octopus Species Suitable for Aquariums

There are various octopus species that can thrive in captivity. Here are some species that you can consider adding to your custom-designed aquarium, each with its own unique characteristics and care requirements.
Octopus for Aquariums Species
Photo
Description
Required Water Temperature
Recommended Tank Size
Octopus Bimaculoides, also known as Bimac

 Learn about Bimac, a species of octopus for aquariums, with Aqua Creations

Bimac are a popular choice for aquariums. They are reasonably sized, easier to care for, and have a sociable, friendly nature
60-75°F
Need plenty of space for exploring, so having a tank that holds 50 gallons or more is recommended
Octopus Briareus, commonly known as the Caribbean Reef Octopus

Learn about Octopus Briareus, a species of octopus for aquariums, with Aqua Creations

Characterized by their long arms, they are friendly octopuses and can be spotted swimming around their aquarium during the day. This is a reef species that grows up to 12 cm in size
Approximately 78°F
It can thrive in tanks ranging from 50+ gallons
Octopus Mercaroris

Learn about Octopus Mercaroris, a species of octopus for aquariums, with Aqua Creations

This octopus is a dwarf species. They can thrive in small tanks with sufficient plants, shells, and rocks to provide them with hiding spaces
74-76°F
They can thrive in tanks as small as 30 gallons

Essential Setup for Aquariums with Octopus

Designing an aquarium for octopuses is not a small task. Unlike fish, octopuses require highly tailored living spaces to mimic their natural habitat and prevent stress. As part of the Aqua Creations’ custom aquarium design process, we evaluate every factor, including tank size, water parameters, lighting, and filtration, to deliver a space where your octopus can thrive.

Octopus Tank Size and Shape Considerations

Determining the aquarium size is the first step in designing an aquarium for octopuses. The minimum octopus tank size required is 50 gallons for small species, but it can go up to more than 100 gallons for larger species. Having ample space for exploration and movement is a priority. This reduces the octopus’s stress and promotes natural behaviors. With a custom aquarium, we can ensure that both the clients and the octopus’s needs are met.


Octopuses do not require intricate lighting setups, but they do need plenty of live rock to provide hiding spaces that mimic their natural environment. They also love to dig in sand-based substrate.

How to Care for an Octopus in an Aquarium

Octopuses are extraordinary creatures that provide endless entertainment with their intelligence and beauty. Caring for an octopus requires careful attention to their physical and psychological needs. Getting professional guidance from aquarium maintenance experts is recommended to ensure your octopus thrives.

Feeding and Nutrition of Aquarium Octopus

Feeding octopus in aquariums is a fascinating experience that involves variety and stimulation. Having a well-rounded diet is important for their health. This may include:
  • Live shrimp or crabs
  • Mollusks
  • Frozen squid or fish
The feeding schedule will vary according to the species, but most octopuses need to be fed once a day. These feeding times should replicate their natural environment to stimulate their minds and encourage them to hunt.
Top tips for keeping octopus for aquarium with Aqua Creations

Understanding Octopus Behavior

Octopuses in aquariums are quite a sight. They will explore, camouflage, rearrange their environment, and even interact with observers. Octopus are clever creatures and might enjoy activities that stimulate their brains, such as opening jars or playing with toys. Your pet octopus may even like a game of hide and seek, scouting its environment with fluid movements.


Learning and understanding these behaviors provide valuable insight into how your octopus feels. Any sudden changes in activity or hiding patterns may signal stress or illness.

Common Challenges in Keeping Octopus in a Tank

Caring for an octopus requires more attention than other marine life due to their intelligence and delicate health. Here are some common challenges that octopus owners may experience:

Escape Artists: Prevention and Solutions

Octopuses are known as the “Houdini of the sea.” They can open lids, climb out of tanks, and squeeze through tiny holes. Octopuses might try to escape out of curiosity, searching for food, or inadequate habitat.


To prevent any run-aways, it is recommended that aquariums with octopus be equipped with a tight-fitted, weighted lid that seals. Any holes, such as the filtration system and other equipment, are prime places for exploring, so ensuring they are inaccessible is important for their safety.

Health Issues and Symptoms to Watch For

Octopuses are delicate creatures. An octopus’s lifespan in captivity is short and they will typically live for about one year, although some may live longer. At the end of life, they may show a natural decline and display signs of inactivity and loss of appetite.


Infections are also a concern. Octopuses are prone to stress-related illness. This can be caused by moving locations, injury, or due to poor water quality. Signs to look out for include swelling, discoloration, or display skin lesions. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek expert care to ensure the health and well-being of your octopus.

The Joy and Responsibilities of Octopus for Aquariums

Keeping an octopus in your aquarium is a unique experience. Their intelligence and interactive nature make them a unique addition to both home and commercial aquariums. Caring for them is complex, but the aesthetic created by their beauty and movement is unmatched.

 

At Aqua Creations, we design custom aquariums that align with your vision while respecting the needs of the octopuses. From tank structure to temperature control, lighting, feeding systems, and beyond, our team ensures your aquarium supports the health and vitality of its octopus residents. Reach out to our team to discover how you can successfully keep octopuses in an aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keeping Octopus in Aquariums

How big do octopuses get, and what size tank is best for an octopus?

Most octopus species require a minimum tank size of 50 gallons, but between 75 and 100 gallons is recommended for larger species, such as the bimac or Caribbean octopus. Size and space play a key role in mental stimulation and physical health.

Are octopus fish?

Technically, no. An octopus is not a fish. It is a cephalopod mollusk, which places it in a different category from fish. Octopuses have soft bodies, no bones, and use jet propulsion to move, unlike fish which have backbones and gills designed for continuous swimming.

Can octopuses and fish live together?

Generally, octopuses are predatory and solitary, meaning that they will eat or attack other tank mates. These are rare cases where a compatible species may be added, but this should only be done with expert consultation and observation. In most cases, it is best to keep octopuses alone.

Can octopuses live in freshwater aquariums?

No. Octopuses are saltwater creatures and cannot live in freshwater aquariums. Saltwater aquarium octopus require a fully cycled marine tank with stable salinity levels, appropriate water chemistry, and temperature control.

About the Author

Sol Bick

Sol Bick
Aqua Creations Founder

Aqua Creations founder and self-proclaimed fish addict, Sol Bick is passionate about anything aquatic. With over 50 years of experience as an aquarium hobbyist and professional, Sol never stops plunging into the depths of aquatic science, researching, contributing to, and staying current with the latest technologies.