Growth and mortality of common octopus Octopus vulgaris reared at different stocking densities in Mediterranean offshore cages

摘要: Four ongrowing cycles of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), each with two stocking densities, were carried out in an offshore area order to evaluate the effect following variables on growth (G, % body weight day−1) and mortality (M, % day−1): weight (W, 0.5–3.0 kg), temperature (T, 14–26 °C), density (SD, 6–46 kg m−3), size dispersion, expressed as coefficient variation (CV, 13–42%) significant wave height (SWH: 0.4–1.2 m). The assays performed 8 m3 stainless-steel floating cage divided into compartments 4 m3 each. For range temperatures considered (14–26 °C), G depended significantly T SWH, maximum values being obtained at 18.5 °C important negative SWH. M T, W CV, minimal 18 °C. other had antagonistic effect, increasing greater dispersion – suggesting that animals should be graded throughout process although diminished sizes increased. results point towards alternatives for commercial under particular conditions present study: (A) 3.5 months reach a final 2.5 kg or (B) one 5-month cycle 3.5 kg.