octopus in shark/ray tank

FishyMel · #1 07/19/2007, 02:59 PM

I'm not sure if you can do this but for my shark ray tank im considering

-cortez ray
-banded bamboo shark
-bimac octopus

Can octos go with a banded shark and cortez ray?

Also, do people have better experiences with a cortez ray or california ray, I'm considering both but I think I'm probably leaning towards the cortez ray because they are smaller.

phoenix · #2 07/19/2007, 03:05 PM

depending on the size - the bimac may make a meal of the shark or more likely the shark would go after the octopus. Also, the bimacs need more cover and the shark and ray will need more open space.

FishyMel · #3 07/19/2007, 03:28 PM

I was planning on a cave in the corner for the octo and the rest open for the shark and ray. So you don't think it would go at all or is it a situation where you can't really tell until you try it?

johno4 · #4 07/19/2007, 03:34 PM

I dont have experience with octos but I would imagine either the shark will eat your octo or the octo will kill your shark depending on size. I dont think it is a good Idea. Why risk it octopi dont live very long anyways. JMO

AquaKnight407 · #5 07/19/2007, 06:00 PM

Another thing to consider is how tight you usually have to seal up an octo tank, it would feeding the shark/ray a real PITA. And when you're feeding, having to keep an eye on the octo too.

billsreef · #6 07/19/2007, 08:41 PM

Octo's are best kept in a species tank. Depending on size of the sharks/rays and the octopus in relation to each other, one or the other will be a meal for the other.

phoenix · #7 07/19/2007, 09:20 PM

I have had an octopus before and they need plenty of hiding places - so I do not think it is a go at all. A cave will not be enough you will need much more rocks. AND a tight lid

krj-1168 · #8 07/20/2007, 12:29 AM

Agreed - no Octopus with Sharks or rays.

With bamboo sharks - the best species of round rays is the cortez. The California round ray generally needs cooler waters. the Cortez is a more tropical species like the bamboo shark.

FishyMel · #9 07/20/2007, 11:05 AM

Ok, that helps alot. I wasn't sure betweeen the cortez and california ray, and couldn't find much info on the web. Have you kept a cortez ray before? Are cortez rays pretty hardy? We are talking about Raja cortezensis correct? I've seen cortez rays in fish stores but then again I've also seen many blue spots in fish stores and those are impossible to keep alive.

krj-1168 · #10 07/20/2007, 10:06 PM

The Cortez ray - I'm talking about is Urobatis maculatus. Also known as Cortez or Spotted Round Stingray, and sometimes sold as the Chocolate Chip Ray.

Raja - is actually genus/family that usually refers to skates.

While I haven't personal kept a Cortez -yet(since i'm personally not really big on rays). But I have talking with many of owners of both California round rays & Cortez round rays. According to their statement both are great rays for home aquaria - it just the Cortez is better for tropical tanks - while Cali Rays are better for cool sub-tropical tanks below 72F. And all round rays(Genus: Urobatis) are much hardier & much better suited for home aquaria than the Blue-spotted ray - according all of the private & professional keepers that I've talked with.