- Joined
- Mar 19, 2010
- Messages
- 25
hey guys havent posted in a while. i just wanted to ask u guys if u had any HELPFUL info on the care of a mimic octopus. i know they are hard to take care of, but any info would help. Thanks!!
Mimic and wunderpus probably have decent distributions, but they live in habitat that is heavily trawled in some places, and sometimes "reclaimed" to make land. Although we have not been able to conduct formal surveys yet, these octos are considered rare. When solitary animals are rare, and might not get many chances to mate in life, over-collection can be a big deal. Based on views of long-time divers in muck sites, paoching of rare animals for the aquarium trade (of mimics, wunderpus, frogfish, etc) has become a big, unchecked problem. Rich muck habitats don't have the charismatic draw that coral reefs have, so they get ignored by conservation groups that admittedly already have a lot on their plate as it is. Wunderpus and mimics have different ways of dispersing hatchlings, so wunderpus would probably have a harder time bouncing back after over-collection
Guidelines for Cephalopod Purchase or Aquisition:
We recommend purchasing tank-bred or aquacultured cephalopods, when available. Rescued cephalopods, whether from a trap or from live rock, are also recommened.
Wild-caught cephalopods, caught by natural means (no chemicals) are acceptable.
Capturing a cephalopod yourself is recommended only for experienced keepers, and you need to check whether you need a permit.
Do not purchase cephalopods whose populations are threatened or whose status is not known, such as wunderpus and mimic.
Do not purchase blue-ring octopuses because of their potentially lethal venom.