What about toys?

[imarttheman]

I am a high school science teacher and I am considering getting an octopus for my room. I have two saltwater tanks at my home, one reef and one aggressive. I also have a 200 gallon freshwater tank in my classroom. I think an octopus is a wonderful way to inspire kids to learn about marine environments (I am in Arizona and some of my students have never seen the ocean). I have good substrate and fairly smooth live rock. I also have a Magnum 350 bio-pro filter system on a 55 gallon tank. I am curious if I should include some kind of "toys" to keep my future octopus entertained. I want to create the most stimulating environment possible. I know that these are extremely intelligent creatures, so I am looking for advice. Thanks to all.

 

[Omega]

well I had my only octo so far only for a brief period of time but she loved collecting marbles..piles of them in her den. I know someone on here uses a large lego block but I couldn't find the link. Here are two similar threads that might help you out:

http://www.tonmo.com/forums/showthread.php?18593-Octopus-Toys&highlight=toys
http://www.tonmo.com/forums/showthread.php?18451-Octopus-Toys&highlight=toys

 

[fishy_1998]

One fun toy to keep an octopus's brain stimulated ...
1. Getting a *clean* plastic jar (e.g. vegemite, peanut butter) and
2. Put a shrimp or small fish in the jar.
3. Screw on the lid (not to firmly)
4. Poke holes in the jar so your pet can smell it.
5. Place in aquarium
... the aim to get the octopus to open the jar.