Benthic cages versus floating cages in Octopus vulgaris: Biological performance and biochemical composition feeding on Boops boops discarded from fish farms

Effect of two fresh diets and sexual maturation on the proximate and fatty acid profile of several tissues inOctopus vulgaris: specific retention of arachidonic acid in the gonads

“…High contribution of bogue to total lipid content in the mixed diet led to similar fatty acid profiles in relative terms regardless of diet, with small differences in n‐3 and n‐6 HUFA, reflecting the crab profile (Estefanell et al . ). Accordingly, fatty acids in digestive gland were similar in reared octopus regardless of the diet, denoting that the modification of dietary lipids stored in this organ is very low (Estefanell et al .…”

Molluscs and echinoderms aquaculture: biological aspects, current status, technical progress and future perspectives for the most promising species in Italy

“…Given the relevant changes produced in the most suitable oxygen levels, temperature variations are highly critical for octopus. For this reason the utilisation of benthic cages could reduce the abrupt changes of environmental parameters associated with rearing in floating cages (Estefanell et al, 2012). Males and females showed a different behaviour, the latter having greater oxygen consumption, conversely to what the same authors previously found on immature males and females (Cerezo Valverde and García García, 2004).…”

“…Even though octopus shows a rapid and easy adaptation to life in captivity in different kinds of containers [aquaria, cylindrical-conical containers, raceways, floating cages and also benthic cages, as recently showed by Estefanell et al (2012)], the habit to attach to any surface can be a problem for handling the specimen maintained in captivity, also as a consequence of their tendency to escape from containers. To counteract the aggressive behaviour and to respect the natural habits of octopuses that prefer dark sites, inside tanks or floating cages, shelters should be put in adequate number.…”

“…Cagnetta and Sublimi (2000) obtained a better growth when crabs were used in comparison to a diet based on squid or fish, even though squid simplify the management of tank for cleaning, due to reduced waste. In a recent paper, Estefanell et al (2012) showed how feeding octopused on monodiet based on bogue (Boops boops) discarded from fish farms produced high growth (1.8 to 1.9% day −1 ) and high survival (91 to 97%), and the best biomass increment (178 to 212%) and food conversion rates (2.3 to 2.6) ever recorded for O. vulgaris under industrial rearing conditions. The species can be easily adapted to dead food (Boucaud-Camou and Boucher-Rodoni, 1983) and to commercial dehydrated foods, as pelleted diets (Lee, 1994), that can be appreciated and ingested in relation to the specific texture characteristics.…”

Suitability of artisanal fishery discards as feed for juvenile tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna L.) reared in sea bottom cages in the mid Adriatic Sea

“…Bottom cages produce satisfactory growth rates for lobster (Homarus gammarus) (James, 2007). Bottom cages also enhance the growth of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) compared to floating-type cages (Estefanell et al, 2012).…”