- Octopus mercatoris
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Caribbean Dwarf Octopus Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Cephalopoda Order: Octopoda Family: Octopodidae Genus: Octopus Subgenus: Octopus Species: O. mercatoris Binomial name Octopus mercatoris
Adam, 1937Octopus mercatoris is a small octopus species native to the Atlantic Ocean. It is mainly nocturnal, hunting by night and staying in a cave during the day. While most octopuses are cannibalistic, O. mercatoris is less cannibalistic than other species, and is sometimes found in small groups under rocks. Though they are common, they are rarely seen. They eat crabs, shrimps, and small fish. This species has an average lifespan of 8–10 months.
As a pet
Since O. mercatoris is a large egged species, it can be bred, and its larvae can be raised successfully by private aquarium keepers. They are commonly offered in the aquarium trade, usually fully grown, meaning they usually do not survive very long thereafter. Individuals have very different personalities, which means that generalized rules for the species are not necessarily going to pertain to every pet. It is assumed, and quite logically so, that an octopus will eat any companion fish in the aquarium. This may not always be the case; a well-fed and happy octopus may very well allow fellow marine fish to live in peace. This should never be mistaken for anything other than the choice of the octopus. Always assume that other animals in the aquarium are living only at the mercy of the octopus.
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