# First Reproduction of Octopus mimus Under Controlled Aquaculture Conditions in Southern Peru: Conditioning, Water Quality, and Morphometric Evaluation of Breeders

## TL;DR

This study successfully reproduced the Peruvian mimic octopus in controlled aquaculture, showing how water quality and breeder size affect reproduction.

## Contribution

First successful reproduction of Octopus mimus in controlled aquaculture with detailed water quality and morphometric data.

## Key findings

- Larger female octopuses produced more paralarvae.
- Temperature significantly affected incubation time.
- Optimal water conditions supported welfare and reproduction.

## Abstract

This study evaluated the reproductive conditioning, morphometric growth, and water quality of Octopus mimus in a controlled aquaculture system. Adult octopuses were kept in circular tanks with controlled temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity levels. Larger females produced more paralarvae, and temperature significantly affected the incubation time. High correlations were found between total length (TL), mantle length (ML), and arm length (AL), particularly in females. Optimal seawater conditions (22 °C, 7.8–9.2 mg/L dissolved oxygen, and 35.3 PSU salinity) supported octopus welfare and reproduction, highlighting the importance of water quality management and selecting larger breeders.

Octopus mimus aquaculture has gained relevance owing to its commercial potential; however, optimization of its reproductive and growth conditions in captivity requires further study. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive conditioning, morphometric growth, and water quality of this species in a controlled system. To do this, adult O. mimus were selected and kept in circular tanks with controlled temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity. Weight, total length (TL), mantle length (ML), and arm length (AL) measurements were made, in addition to monitoring seawater quality throughout the conditioning cycle. Paralarvae hatching productions were recorded, and Fulton’s condition index (k) was calculated to assess octopus health. The results showed that larger females produced more paralarvae, and that temperature significantly influenced the incubation period. The morphometric relationships between TL, ML, and LA were highly correlated, particularly in females. The seawater quality, with temperatures close to 22 °C, dissolved oxygen between 7.8 and 9.2 mg/L, 7.1–8.0 pH, and salinity around 35.3 PSU, was optimal for the welfare and reproduction of octopuses. This study provides keys to the effective management of O. mimus in aquaculture, with an emphasis on the importance of proper water quality management and the selection of larger broodstock.