Description:
Scientific Name: Octopus joubini
Lifespan: 6–12 months
The Atlantic pygmy octopus (Octopus joubini), also called the Caribbean small-egg pygmy octopus, is a little species of octopus belonging to the family Octopoda. They are reputed to be very intelligent beings with acute senses, especially good sight.
The chromatophores, or pigmented cells termed chromatophores, that give O. joubini its reddish-orange colour, are found in many animals. The octopus O. joubini has less intricate colour patterning as compared to other octopus species. They can develop into a dark, light, or a tint in between, ranging from brown to orange. Their chromatophores might also be yellow when they are hatchlings.
Despite the paucity of available data, certain studies imply that O. joubini possess a sophisticated network of sensory cells along their lip that have chemotactic properties. These cells have a high degree of ciliation and are packed with sensory neurons, some of which are hypothesized to function as chemoreceptors and others as mechanoreceptors. Given the species’ benthic habitat and the benefits of chemotactic sensitivity, these neurons are probably chemoreceptors.
Habitat
At the warm, temperate to tropical waters of the Atlantic, O. joubini may survive at temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. They are often found on muddy, soft substrates between 10 and 15 metres deep and are benthic. O. joubini prefers to hide or, in the event of a tank setting, stay near to the sides of the enclosure, according to numerous laboratory investigations. Although there is no information in the literature that specifically names O. joubini predators, this behavior is probably meant to protect against outside predators. O. joubini are frequently discovered concealed in empty soda cans in their native habitat and some researchers even got their hands on them by retrieving soda cans from the ocean floor.
Keeping as a Pet/ In Captivity
The Atlantic Pygmy Octopus is the best species for you if your flat is too small for you. Due to its diminutive size, it is not only adorable but also low care in terms of tank requirements. Even a 10-gallon tank will work, but if you have enough room, you should pick a 30 gallon tank instead.
The octopus will thrive in an aquarium if it has access to lots of live rock, places to hide, and space to move around. It favours aquariums with caves and coarse to medium substrate that have low illumination levels. Dim actinic lighting is the best kind of lighting for this aquarium.
In order to prevent the Octopus from tumbling the rocks into the glass or onto itself in the home aquarium, it is important to anchor the rocks or even glue them together. It will attempt to escape if you don’t tightly seal all tank holes. High concentrations of nitrates, phosphates, and any drugs with copper as an active ingredient make the Octopus vulnerable. The Atlantic Pygmy Octopus should ideally be kept in an aquarium that is exclusively for its species, with some live rock to help with water stability.
Always approach the Octopus cautiously to prevent it from launching an ink cloud in retaliation. This ink leak in the aquarium will require a significant water change to prevent it from dying.
Small live feeder shrimp or freshwater ghost shrimp can be fed to the octopus. To increase the nutritional content of any living meals, they should be fed spirulina-based dry diets, plankton, and cyclops.
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