Can You Keep a Flapjack Octopus as a Pet in the UK? (2025)

If you've ever seen a flapjack octopus - that adorable, pancake-shaped deep-sea creature that inspired Pearl from Finding Nemo - you might wonder: can I keep one as a pet?

The short answer is no. But not because it's illegal - octopuses are actually legal to keep in the UK without a licence. The problem is something much more fundamental.

What Is a Flapjack Octopus?

The flapjack octopus belongs to the genus Opisthoteuthis, a group of deep-sea octopuses known for their distinctive flattened, pancake-like bodies. They're sometimes called "pancake octopuses" or "dumbo octopuses" (though technically dumbo octopuses are a different genus).

Key Facts

• Scientific name: Opisthoteuthis spp. (multiple species)

• Size: Up to 50cm (20 inches)

• Habitat: 130-2,350 metres deep (430-7,710 feet)

• Range: Worldwide, in deep ocean waters

• Diet: Small worms, crustaceans, invertebrates

• Body: Gelatinous, umbrella-like webbing between arms

According to MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), flapjack octopuses move by flapping their stubby fins, pulsing their webbed arms, or using jet propulsion - often all three at once.

Why They're Famous

Flapjack octopuses gained fame partly through the character Pearl from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Their cute appearance has led many people to search "can I have a flapjack octopus as a pet?"

The answer, unfortunately, is a hard no - but not for the reason you might expect.

UK Legal Status: Octopuses as Pets

Here's where things get interesting. Octopuses ARE legal to keep as pets in the UK - they don't require any special licence.

Why Octopuses Are Legal

• Not listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976

• Not classified as invasive species under UK exotic pet regulations

• No specific legislation restricts octopus ownership

2021 Sentience Recognition

In November 2021, the UK government officially recognised octopuses (and other cephalopods) as sentient beings under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. According to GOV.UK:

• Based on London School of Economics research showing octopuses have "complex central nervous systems"

• Can feel pain and have welfare needs

• Covered by animal welfare considerations going forward

This doesn't make them illegal to keep - but it does mean their welfare matters legally.

No Licence Required

Unlike animals covered by the DWA Act (like big cats, venomous snakes, or primates), you don't need a council licence to keep an octopus. You can legally purchase one from specialist marine suppliers.

So if octopuses are legal, why can't you keep a flapjack octopus specifically?

Why Flapjack Octopuses Are Impossible to Keep

The reason has nothing to do with law - it's physically impossible to maintain their environment.

The Deep-Sea Problem

Flapjack octopuses live at depths of 130 to 2,350 metres. At these depths:

• Pressure: 13-235 atmospheres (your aquarium is 1 atmosphere)

• Temperature: Near-freezing (2-4°C)

• Light: Complete darkness (bathypelagic zone)

Their gelatinous bodies have evolved specifically for high-pressure environments. Without extreme pressure, they cannot survive.

Even Aquariums Struggle

MBARI has collaborated with Monterey Bay Aquarium - one of the world's leading marine research facilities - to study flapjack octopuses. Even with their advanced technology:

• Specimens only survive for a few months in captivity

• Require specialised deep-sea tanks that cost millions

• Still cannot perfectly replicate their natural habitat

If the world's best aquarium can't keep them alive long-term, a home aquarium has zero chance.

Physical Adaptations That Don't Work in Shallow Water

• Gelatinous body: Adapted for high pressure - collapses without it

• No ink sac: Doesn't need defence in pitch-black depths (wouldn't help anyway)

• No chromatophores: Can't change colour like shallow-water octopuses

• Slow metabolism: Adapted to cold, low-energy deep-sea life

Bottom line: There is no aquarium setup - at any price - that can keep a flapjack octopus alive in a home environment.

Octopus Species You CAN Keep as Pets in the UK

Don't lose hope! Several octopus species can be kept in home aquariums - though they're challenging pets that require experience.

1. California Two-Spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculoides)

Best for: Most keepers | Experience: Intermediate

• Size: Up to 45cm arm span

• Lifespan: 1-2 years

• Temperature: 15-22°C (cooler than tropical tanks)

• Tank size: Minimum 200 litres, ideally 380+ litres

• Why recommended: Most commonly available, relatively hardy, tolerates handling better than most

Named for the two blue spots below their eyes (resembling fake eyespots), these are the "standard" pet octopus in the hobby.

2. Atlantic Pygmy Octopus (Octopus joubini)

Best for: Beginners to octopus keeping | Experience: Intermediate

• Size: Only 14cm (5.5 inches) total length

• Lifespan: 6-8 months

• Temperature: 20-24°C

• Tank size: Minimum 75 litres

• Why recommended: Smallest tank requirements, easier to feed, less escape-prone due to size

The pygmy octopus is arguably the best "starter octopus" due to smaller space requirements.

3. Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)

Best for: Experienced marine keepers only | Experience: Advanced

• Size: Up to 1 metre arm span

• Lifespan: 1-2 years

• Temperature: 15-25°C

• Tank size: Minimum 380 litres, ideally 500+ litres

• Why challenging: Large, strong, extremely clever escape artists

Where to Buy Pet Octopuses in the UK

• Specialist marine aquarium suppliers (not high street pet shops)

• Online marine invertebrate dealers

• Aquarium forums and hobbyist groups

Expect to pay £200-£500 for a healthy octopus from a reputable source. Never buy wild-caught if captive-bred is available.

⚠️ DANGEROUS: Species You Must NEVER Buy

🚨 DEADLY WARNING: Blue-Ringed Octopus

Blue-ringed octopuses (Hapalochlaena spp.) carry enough venom to KILL 25 ADULT HUMANS. Death can occur within minutes. There is NO antivenom. They occasionally appear in UK aquarium trade and MUST BE AVOIDED. A single bite causes paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. Beautiful but LETHAL. Do NOT buy under any circumstances.

Why Blue-Ringed Octopuses Are Deadly

• Venom: Contains tetrodotoxin (same as puffer fish poison)

• Amount: One octopus carries enough to kill 25 adults

• Symptoms: Paralysis, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest

• Time to death: Can be minutes without immediate medical intervention

• Treatment: No antivenom exists - only life support while toxin wears off

According to Practical Fishkeeping, blue-ringed octopuses occasionally appear in UK aquarium trade. Some irresponsible sellers may not even know what they're selling.

If you see a small octopus with bright blue rings - do not touch it, do not buy it, and warn others.

Pet Octopus Costs UK 2025

Keeping any octopus is expensive. Here's what to budget:

Initial Setup Costs

Ongoing Monthly Costs

• Food (live crabs, shrimp, mussels): £30-£60/month

• Electricity (chiller, filtration, pumps): £20-£40/month

• Salt mix and water: £10-£20/month

• Test kits and maintenance: £10-£15/month

Total ongoing: £70-£135/month

Veterinary Costs

Finding a vet who treats octopuses is extremely difficult. Use our UK Exotic Vet Directory to search for marine specialists - but be aware most exotic vets focus on reptiles and birds.

Expect consultation fees of £60-£100+ if you find a specialist. In an emergency, check our 24/7 emergency vet finder.

Octopus Care Requirements

Octopuses are among the most difficult exotic pets to keep. Only attempt if you have years of marine aquarium experience.

Essential Requirements

• Tank cycling: Minimum 3 months before adding octopus

• Water quality: Zero ammonia, zero nitrite, low nitrate

• Escape-proofing: Every gap must be sealed - they can squeeze through anything larger than their beak

• Low lighting: Bright lights stress most species

• Enrichment: Highly intelligent - need toys, puzzles, things to explore

• Species-only tank: Cannot safely cohabit with fish or invertebrates (will eat them)

Why They're Difficult

• Short lifespan: 1-2 years maximum (natural - not fixable)

• Escape masters: Will find ANY gap in your tank lid

• Messy eaters: Produce significant waste, need excellent filtration

• Carnivorous: Require live or freshly thawed seafood diet

• Sensitive: Intolerant to any copper (kills them quickly)

• Nocturnal: Most active at night when you're asleep

Who Should Keep Octopuses?

• Experienced marine aquarists with 3+ years of reef/saltwater experience

• People with time for daily interaction and feeding

• Those who accept the short lifespan

• Keepers who can afford proper setup and ongoing costs

If you're new to marine aquariums, start with hardy fish and corals first. Octopuses are not beginner pets. For easier exotic options, see our best first exotic pet guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you legally keep an octopus as a pet in the UK?

Yes, octopuses are legal to keep as pets in the UK without a licence. They are not listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. However, since November 2021 they're recognised as sentient beings under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, so welfare standards apply.

Can you keep a flapjack octopus as a pet?

No. While not illegal, it's physically impossible. Flapjack octopuses (Opisthoteuthis spp.) live at depths of 130-2,350 metres in extreme pressure and cold. Their gelatinous bodies require deep-sea conditions that cannot be replicated in any home aquarium.

How much does a pet octopus cost in the UK?

A pet octopus costs £200-£500 to buy in the UK. Tank setup costs approximately £1,000-£1,500 (minimum 380 litre saltwater tank, filtration, protein skimmer, chiller). Monthly costs run £70-£135 (food, water testing, electricity).

What octopus species can you keep as pets?

Recommended species include: California Two-Spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculoides) - most popular, lives 1-2 years; Atlantic Pygmy Octopus - smallest, best for beginners; Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) - larger, for experienced keepers only.

Why is the blue-ringed octopus dangerous?

Blue-ringed octopuses (Hapalochlaena spp.) carry enough venom to kill 25 adult humans. Their bite can cause paralysis and death within minutes. There is no antivenom. NEVER buy one - they occasionally appear in UK aquarium trade and should be avoided completely.

How long do pet octopuses live?

Most pet octopus species live only 1-2 years in captivity, and some species even less. This short lifespan is natural for octopuses - they typically die shortly after reproducing. The Common Octopus may live up to 2 years with excellent care.

The Bottom Line

If you came here hoping to keep a flapjack octopus as a pet, we're sorry to disappoint. These adorable deep-sea creatures simply cannot survive outside their extreme environment - no matter how much money you spend or how good your intentions.

But if you're genuinely interested in keeping an octopus, you can do so in the UK:

• Legal: No licence required for most octopus species

• Possible: California Two-Spot and Pygmy Octopuses can thrive in home aquariums

• Challenging: Requires serious marine aquarium experience and £1,000+ investment

• Rewarding: Incredibly intelligent, fascinating pets for the right keeper

Whatever exotic pet you choose, ensure you can provide proper care. Use our UK Exotic Vet Directory to find specialists before bringing home any unusual animal. In emergencies, check our 24/7 emergency vet finder.

For more on UK exotic pet laws, see our complete legal guide and pet regulations hub.

Interested in other aquatic pets? Check our axolotl care guide for a fascinating (and much easier) aquatic alternative.

Information verified against GOV.UK Sentience recognition, MBARI research, and Pets4Homes guidance. Last updated December 2025.