Octopus Pets For Sale – Care, Feeding and Buying Guide
Published: 30 Mar 2025
Octopus Pets For Sale are fascinating sea creatures that many people want to keep as pets. They are intelligent, curious, and can even solve puzzles. Unlike fish, octopuses can change colour, escape from small spaces, and recognize their owners.
Keeping an octopus as a pet is not easy. They need a special tank, clean water, and the right food to stay healthy. Some species are small and easier to care for, while others grow large and need more space. Before buying an octopus, it is important to learn about its needs and responsibilities.
Many pet stores and online shops sell octopuses, but it is important to buy from a trusted seller. Some octopuses are caught from the wild, which can harm their population. Choosing a healthy and ethically sourced octopus is the best way to enjoy this unique pet.
Table of Contents
What is Octopus Pets For Sale?
“Octopus Pets For Sale” means buying octopuses to keep as pets in home aquariums. Many online stores and pet shops sell different types of octopuses for people who love marine animals. These octopuses come in different sizes and colours, and some are easier to care for than others.
Keeping an octopus as a pet is very different from keeping fish. Octopuses need a special tank with clean water, the right temperature, and places to hide. They also need fresh seafood to eat, like shrimp and crabs. Since octopuses are very smart, they can escape from tanks if the lid is not secure.
Before buying an octopus, it is important to check if it is legal in your area and to buy from a trusted seller. Wild octopuses should not be taken from the ocean because it can harm nature. A healthy and well-cared-for octopus can be a unique and interesting pet.
Best Octopus Species for Home Aquariums
Not all octopuses can be kept as pets. Some grow too big, while others need deep ocean water to survive. If you want to keep an octopus in a home aquarium, choosing the right species is very important. Here are some of the best octopuses for home tanks:
1. California Two-Spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculoides)
- One of the most popular pet octopuses
- Medium-sized and easy to care for
- Can recognize its owner and show playful behavior
2. Atlantic Pygmy Octopus (Octopus joubini)
- A small species, making it good for smaller tanks
- Very active and loves to hide in small spaces
- Short lifespan, usually less than a year
3. Caribbean Reef Octopus (Octopus briareus)
- Beautiful blue-green colors and long arms
- Needs a large tank and proper care
- Active at night and loves exploring
4. Common Blanket Octopus (Tremoctopus)
- A rare but unique species
- More difficult to care for compared to other octopuses
- Best for experienced octopus keepers
When choosing an octopus, it is important to make sure the tank is the right size and has a secure lid. Octopuses are very smart and can escape if the tank is not safe. They also need a healthy diet and good water conditions to live happily.
What Do Octopuses Eat?
Octopuses are meat-eaters and need fresh seafood to stay healthy. In the wild, they hunt small sea animals like crabs, shrimp, and fish. If you keep an octopus as a pet, you must provide the right food for it.
Best Foods for Pet Octopuses:
- Small crabs: A favourite food for most octopuses
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, but without any added chemicals
- Small fish: Like minnows or silversides
- Clams and mussels: Good for variety in their diet
- Squid: A natural food for many octopus species
How Often Should You Feed an Octopus?
Octopuses eat once a day or every other day, depending on their size and species. Some octopuses like to hunt their food, so giving them live crabs or shrimp can keep them happy and active.
Foods to Avoid:
- Processed or cooked food: Octopuses need raw, fresh seafood
- Spicy or salty food: It can harm their health
- Large, hard-shelled crabs: They may be difficult to eat
Where to Buy Octopuses?
If you want to keep an octopus as a pet, it is important to buy it from a trusted place. Octopuses are not common pets, so they are not available in regular pet stores. Here are some of the best places to buy octopuses:
1. Online Exotic Pet Stores
Many websites sell pet octopuses and deliver them safely to your home. Always check customer reviews and make sure the store follows legal and ethical guidelines.
2. Local Fish Stores (Specialty Aquatic Shops)
Some high-quality fish stores sell octopuses, but they may not always have them in stock. It is best to call ahead and ask about availability.
3. Marine Research Centres & Breeders
Some marine breeders raise octopuses in captivity. These are the best sources because the octopuses are not taken from the wild, which helps protect nature.
Things to Check Before Buying:
- Is the seller reputable and legal?
- Is the octopus healthy and active?
- Is it the right species for home aquariums?
- Does it come with care instructions?
Avoid buying octopuses from sellers who catch them from the ocean without permission. Wild octopuses may struggle to survive in tanks and removing them can harm the environment. Always choose a responsible source for your pet octopus.
Caring for Your Pet Octopus
Keeping an octopus as a pet is exciting, but it needs special care to stay healthy and happy. Octopuses are intelligent and require the right environment, food, and attention.
Here are the most important things to know about octopus care:
1. Setting Up the Tank
- Tank Size: At least 50 gallons for small species, larger for bigger octopuses
- Water Quality: Clean saltwater with proper temperature and pH levels
- Secure Lid: Octopuses are escape artists, so the tank must be tightly covered
- Hiding Spots: Rocks, caves, and PVC pipes help them feel safe
2. Feeding Your Octopus
- Fresh seafood like shrimp, crabs, and small fish
- Feed once a day or every other day
- Avoid processed or cooked food
3. Keeping Your Octopus Happy
- Provide toys like shells, small balls, or puzzle feeders
- Change the tank setup sometimes to keep it interesting
- Observe their behaviour an active octopus is a happy octopus
4. Handling and Interaction
- Octopuses can recognize their owners but do not like too much handling
- Never grab or squeeze them; let them come to you if they feel comfortable
- Watch out for any signs of stress, like changing colour too often
FAQs About Octopus Pets for Sale
Got questions about octopus pets? Find answers about care, feeding, lifespan, and where to buy. Learn how to keep your octopus happy and healthy:
Yes, but octopuses need special care, a saltwater tank, and the right environment to survive. They are not like regular pet fish and require more attention.
Most pet octopuses live for 1 to 2 years. Some small species may live even less than a year.
Octopuses eat seafood like shrimp, crabs, small fish, and clams. They need fresh, raw food to stay healthy.
Yes, a small species needs at least a 50-gallon tank. Larger species need even bigger tanks with proper water conditions.
Yes! Octopuses are very smart and can squeeze through tiny spaces. The tank must have a secure lid to keep them inside.
Yes, some octopuses can recognize people who feed them and may even interact with them.
You can buy them from online exotic pet stores, marine breeders, or specialty aquarium shops. Always choose a trusted seller.
Laws are different in each country or state. Always check local regulations before buying an octopus.
Octopuses prefer dim lighting because they are often more active at night. Bright lights can stress them out.
No, octopuses are solitary creatures. They may fight or even eat each other if kept together.
Bonus Points About Octopus Pets for Sale
Here are some interesting facts and extra tips for those who want to keep an octopus as a pet!
- Octopuses Are Super Smart: Octopuses can solve puzzles, open jars, and even escape from tanks. They are one of the smartest sea creatures.
- They Can Change Colours: Octopuses can change their skin colour to blend with their surroundings. This helps them hide from predators.
- Each Octopus Has a Unique Personality: Some octopuses are playful, while others are shy. They react differently to their owners and surroundings.
- They Have Three Hearts: Octopuses have three hearts that pump blue coloured blood. When they swim, one heart stops beating.
- A Secure Tank Is a Must: Even a small opening in the tank can help an octopus escape. Always double-check the lid and tank setup.
- Octopuses Are Short-Lived: Most pet octopuses live only 1 to 2 years, so be prepared for a short but amazing experience.
- They Need Mental Stimulation: Octopuses get bored easily. Give them toys, new hiding spots, or food puzzles to keep them entertained.
- Not All Octopuses Are Good Pets: Some species grow too big or have venom that can be dangerous. Always choose a pet-friendly species.
Conclusion
Keeping an octopus as a pet is exciting, but it requires special care. They need a proper saltwater tank, fresh seafood, and a secure environment. Octopuses are smart and unique, but they don’t live very long, so owners must be ready for the responsibility.
If you are prepared to give them the right care, an octopus can be a fascinating pet. They are not like regular fish; they need attention, mental stimulation, and a well-maintained tank. Before buying one, always research the species and check the local laws.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
