Owning a Pet Squid

Squids have always been my favorite animal. At the moment, I have a brittle starfish, but I’ve never owned any cephalopods. I’m curious if it’s even possible to have a pet squid, and if so, what species would be suitable? I haven’t been able to find much information online, so if anyone has any insights, I’d love to hear them!

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Squids are fascinating! I’ve always been interested in them too, but from what I’ve gathered, keeping one as a pet is super challenging. Their lifespans are pretty short, and they’re really sensitive to changes in water conditions. I’ve heard people talk more about octopuses as pets, which are still tricky but maybe more manageable. Have you considered one of those instead?

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Yeah, I’ve looked into this too because I’m obsessed with marine life, and squids are tough to keep in an aquarium. They need huge tanks because they’re active swimmers, and some species require deep water to feel comfortable. Plus, they can be quite delicate, so it’s hard to mimic their natural environment. I’ve heard of cuttlefish being kept in home aquariums though. They’re cephalopods like squids and octopuses, but from what I’ve read, they’re a little easier to care for!

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You might struggle to find any information online because squids are really rare in the pet trade. I don’t think there are many—if any—species that are kept regularly in home aquariums. The ones that people have kept usually require very advanced setups. If you’re determined to keep a cephalopod, cuttlefish or an octopus could be the way to go, like the others mentioned. Both are intelligent and would give you a similar vibe, especially cuttlefish with their color-changing abilities!

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If you’re already keeping a brittle starfish, it sounds like you have some experience with marine tanks. But, squids are on another level! They’re not only really fast but can also jet out of tanks if they’re spooked, so you’d need a tank with a very secure lid. I’d definitely suggest researching marine forums for expert advice if you’re set on a cephalopod, but as others have said, an octopus or cuttlefish would be a safer bet.