Cultivo de pulpo (Octopus vulgaris, Cuvier): situación actual, problemas y persptectivas

This article reviews the results obtained over a four year period of research (1995-1999) at the Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Vigo, on the reproduction, rearing of paralarvae and ongrowing of octopus. Optimum conditions for transport, stabling, feeding and induction to spawning with temperatures of 13 to 20°C are analyzed, with salinity levels of 32 to 35%0. The biometric characteristics of the strings and eggs, fecundity, embryonic development, hatching and the rearing of 1.5 million of paralarvae are also noted, with a description of the form of feeding, growth and survival of the newly born paralarve, using different types of prey: reared zooplankton (Artemia salina), fish eggs, wild zooplankton (copepods, cirripedes, mysidaceans and euphausiaceans), and zoeae of commercial crustaceans (crab, swimming crab and prawn) obtained from ovated females. In terms of the results obtained, there is discussion of the best conditions required for ongrowing juveniles, regarding feed, daily ingestion, density of stabling and prior separation according to size and sex, attempting to optimize growth rates and feed conversion. Finally, some of the first experiences on ongrowing at industrial level in Galicia in floating cages are described.Versión del edito