Development of a method for live octopus (Octopus vulgaris) transportation for long distance at high densities

The development of new octopus-based products with a growing economic value ensures the commercial interest of this species, making live octopus export an activity of great interest. The aim of this study was to develop a method for long-distance transportation of live octopus at high densities. The system was composed by 220-L tanks with cooling and aeration, where the animals were kept separated from each others. The water temperature was maintained at 10 degrees C, after a decreasing of 1 degrees C/hr. Live octopus transportation was tested for 48 hr at two densities: 50 kg/m(3)and 100 kg/m(3). During this period, water parameters were monitored. Stress response was evaluated through the analysis of haemolymph, muscle and brain tissues. No mortality was registered after 48 hr for both treatments. In all trials, water quality remained within the normal limits in both densities; there was, however, a significative increase of ammonia levels in the water. Ammonia, dopamine and Hsp70 levels were analysed in the beginning and at the end of the experiment for both densities; however, no significant differences were found among them. In general, this system seems to be a viable solution for live octopus 48-hr transportation at a density of 100 kg/m(3).