I got my octopus from fishsupply a few weeks ago. Pixel was rather small when I got him, and I am wondering why I should expect as far as rate of growth goes.

He is eating a ton, almost non-stop right now, but I am not seeing a huge change in his size. He is getting bigger, but I am wondering what I should be expecting.

Thanks.

As long as Pixel is eating and growing, he's doing fine.

Growth is gradual and it will take many months to become a full sized bimac.

I documented my bimac Ollie from the day he arrived and have a complete record of his growth, but the funny thing is, I never noticed him growing. He just slowly got bigger and bigger. He had to change where he was living and find larger and larger caves as he grew.

Nancy

I was curious too! How big is Pixel? Lil Pumpkin curled up is the size of a dime.

Carol

When Pixel started out, he would curl up into a sphere about .5 inch in diameter. Now he is getting closer to a sphere about .75 inch in diameter.

That is in about three weeks being with me.

it is really hard to judge, though. I can definitely tell he is growing from arm length. Each of his arms has probably gained at least .25 inch since I got him (from about 2 inches to about 2.25 inches). Any other size measurement is tough since they are so fluid. He can seem to cut his total volume (and arm length) in half in a matter of a few seconds.

I read somewhere that octopuses grow by roughly 30-40% of what they eat which is pretty fast.

Sounds like Pixel was the same size as Lil Pumpkin when you got him. Do you have him ie huge tank? I have mine in a pethome in a tank right now. Is it easy to find Pixel?

Just curious. At some point I know I will have to give Pumpkin roaming priviledges, once I relocate the Jawfish.

Carol

A word about bimac growth - it has amazed me that in just 7 months, Ollie has gown from a 1 inch mantle to a 7 or 8 inch mantle. And from 2 inch arms to arms that can stretch 2 feet. He's a big octopus now, and it happened very fast. I'm finding that his 46 gallon tank isn't any too big for him, either.

One thing that's been constant is change - he has been constantly changing and developing. His habits change, too. But then, that's what makes it interesting.

So enjoy your little bimacs and don't be in too much of a hurry for them to grow up!

Nancy

I read somewhere that octopuses grow by roughly 30-40% of what they eat which is pretty fast.
where'd you read that? :shock:

In one of Dr Wood's articles I think. Some where on his site. :roll:

In one of Dr Wood's articles I think. Some where on his site. :roll:
hmm, well he does have a huge site, you do mean Dr. James B. Wood right?

Of course that's the Dr Woods he means, and its partly because it is such a huge site that finding the article takes some time. i am not familiar with the article but have also read similar to state that a ceph can put on 25% extra mass each week while it is growing in the right conditions.

I'll have a quick scan for it later

yes I do now that they increase in lean body mass from 20%-25% of what they eat--but 40% usually applies to a ceph with a eating frenzy..not usual. :)

I'm sorry if the info is wrong but I can't seem to find the article on Dr Wood's site anymore. :?

Carol

Ive heard you mention your pethome a couple of times now....

this time and once before when using for a 'fridge' for your previous octo, sorry cant rememebr name.

I was wondering what you mean and if you could poss post a pic?

Cheers in advance

Scouse

Little Critter Cage, Plastic Container with a lid that comes in all sizes!

I believe Pixel also lives in one for the moment. I put a small cartridge filter in to draw water from the tank into the pethome.

Very handy container to keep in ones car, just in case!!! :)
The picture below is Lil Pumpkins' new home for the moment!

Carol

Excellent!!!

Nice one Carol, stops my curiosity wonderin now!!

http://www.vampy-alumni.org/octopus/pictures/terraium.jpg A picture of my set-up.

I am going to let Pixel out this week. I worked all weekend on getting the feeder tank set up as well as some last-minute escape-proofing.

The powerhead right above the terrarium is a MaxiJet 1200. There does not seem to be any problem with flow inside the terrarium.

singularity, very cool setup you got there. :)