| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 10 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only 5 left | Small - Indo-Pacific |
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Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
The Algae (Prickly) Octopus (Abdopus aculeatus) is a small, shallow-water octopus known for “algae-like” camouflage that resembles a shell overgrown with algae. It’s a hands-on, interactive cephalopod that spends time exploring its space and manipulating objects as it settles in.
What You’ll Observe:
- Daytime foraging and active “patrolling,” with a return to a chosen den area later in the day
- Rapid pattern and color shifts as it blends into rock, sand, and mixed textures
- Hunting behavior focused on crustacean-style prey, including pouncing and probing into crevices
- Rearranging small items (pebbles/shells) around its den as it “sets up” a preferred home base
How to Succeed: Provide a mature, tightly covered aquarium with secure overflow/intake protection and a lid that leaves no easy escape routes. Create multiple den options using rockwork plus simple “cave” items (like jars or shells), and keep a fine sand area available for natural den behavior. Offer a variety of meaty marine foods (especially crustacean-based items) and rotate safe enrichment objects to encourage natural exploration and engagement.
Will it come out more once it recognizes the room and my routine?
Many keepers report stronger “front glass” activity after a consistent schedule (lights/feeding) and regular, calm interaction.
Is it normal for it to pick a “favorite den” and then suddenly switch?
Yes’octopuses often establish a main den, then rotate to a new spot as they explore and re-arrange their environment.
Can it learn to take food from tongs or a feeding stick?
Often yes; repeated, gentle presentations in the same area can build a predictable feeding response over time.
Why does it move rocks, shells, or small objects at night?
Rearranging is commonly reported and is part of how octopuses “set” their den and control entrances and sightlines.
How do I keep it engaged long-term in an aquarium?
Simple changes help: rotate safe objects, vary feeding presentation, and give it multiple textures and hiding choices so exploration stays rewarding.
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