Despite the octopus, Octopus vulgaris, is one of the main targets for aquaculture diversification, the development of octopus farming is limited by the lack of information regarding nutritional requirements of this species during its life cycle. We tested five diets on the biological performance (growth, protein retention and biochemical composition) of octopuses, including three single diets constituted by: an endemic crab (the white crab, Plagusia depressa), a commercial crab imported frozen (Portunus pelagicus), and bogue (Boops boops) discarded from fish farms, as well as two mixed diets, containing a 60–40% of blue crab-bogue and white crab-bogue, respectively. Octopuses that fed on a mixed diet constituted by blue crab-bogue showed a higher growth than those feeding on bogue as a single food item. Highest protein retention was observed in octopuses fed on diets containing discarded bogue, associated with a high lipid and monoenes content in this food item, underlying the use of lipid as energy source in O. vulgaris. These findings underline the potential of aquaculture by-products, particularly bogue, as an adequate diet for culturing O. vulgaris. Check out the study here: J. Estefanell, Socorro, J., Tuya, F., Izquierdo, M., Roo, J. 2011. Growth, protein retention and biochemical composition in Octopus vulgaris fed on different diets based on crustaceans and aquaculture by-products. Aquaculture 322-323: 91-98.
