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Octopus mimus
Octopus mimus (Gould octopus) is commonly found between northern Peru and northern Chile.[1] The species is relatively large with a round sacciform mantle without fins.[2] The tentacles are moderately large, approximately 4 times longer than the mantle.[2] The 3rd tentacle on the right holds the short, thin copulatory organ in males.[2] The color ranges, with individuals commonly speckled a mix of gray, yellow, black, green.[2] It is primarily benthic, living in rocky substrates and kelp forests until depths of 200 m.[3] The species is dicecious, breeding throughout the year with one or two peaks depending on the latitude.[4] After mating the female cares for the eggs letting her body deteriorate until death.[4] This animal grows up to 115 cm in length and 3.7 kg in females and 107 cm in length and 4.4 kg in males.[4] Juveniles can double in size every 30 to 60 days.[4] The Gould octopus is an opportunistic predator feeding primarily on crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and echinoderms.[3] This species is commonly fished in Peru and Chile. Semi-Moist diets provide the best growth efficiency for the octopus mimus while also being feasibly sustainable.[3] References
Méndez-Abarca F. & R. Pepe-Victoriano (2020) Invertebrados marinos del norte de Chile: guía para la identificación y mantención en cautiverio. Vol. ll. Fundación Reino Animal & ONG por la conservación de la vida salvaje. Arica, Chile. 1-85 pp. Information related to Octopus mimus |
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