Weight gain of Octopus vulgaris in small volume floating cages

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the survival and weight gain of 08 octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) captured in aquaculture area: 05 females (952 ± 101 g) and 03 males (787 ± 150 g). Octopuses were kept in two floating cages (0.5 m3 ) and fed a mixed diet (40% crustaceans, 30% mussel and 30% discarded fish). The average weight gain was 444g for females and 467g for males, at 36 days of cultivation. The survival rate was 100%. Preliminary results indicate the octopus ongrowing in artisanal farming system as a potential and innovative activity to be developed in Santa Catarina´s mariculture.