Material Selectivity of Shelters for Brooding Females of the Common Octopus Octopus vulgaris under Indoor Tank Conditions

This study examined shelter material preference in spawning female Octopus vulgaris under indoor conditions. Three shelter types (PVC, earthenware, wood) were tested across three replicates, with one female per tank observed thrice daily for eight days (72 observations). PVC showed the highest occupancy (66.7%), followed by earthenware (33.3%), while wood was unused. The preference for PVC may reflect comfort and safety during spawning. These findings provide insights into optimal shelter design for captive breeding management.