Why this specific species? Introducing a new model organism is a large investment. After a brief search, I actually found a proposal to introduce octopus as a new model organism, but choosing a different species.
Despite the immense potential for comparative biological research between octopuses and vertebrates and aquaculture advances from the husbandry of other cephalopod species, a sustainable, multigenerational laboratory octopus model has yet to be attained. [cites researches starting from 1977] (snip) Here, we overcome these challenges by advancing the laboratory aquaculture of the lesser Pacific striped octopus, Octopus chierchiae.
So the necessary basic work is now done. Maybe culturing other octopus is now easier based on this success, but I won’t bet on it, given that it failed for >40 years. On the other hand, I must admit it doesn’t seem much effort was spent on this problem in those 40 years.
Re: level of effort, some brief googling tells me that there has been some interest in breeding octopuses for food, but it’s been quite difficult, particularly handling the larvae. BBC claims the current state-of-the-art is a promise that farmed octopus will be on the market in 2023.
Update 2024: that octopus farm still isn’t operational due to widespread opposition, but it’s not canceled yet either.
Sounds like a good idea!
Why this specific species? Introducing a new model organism is a large investment. After a brief search, I actually found a proposal to introduce octopus as a new model organism, but choosing a different species.
The Lesser Pacific Striped Octopus, Octopus chierchiae: An Emerging Laboratory Model (2021)
Some choice quotes:
So the necessary basic work is now done. Maybe culturing other octopus is now easier based on this success, but I won’t bet on it, given that it failed for >40 years. On the other hand, I must admit it doesn’t seem much effort was spent on this problem in those 40 years.
Re: level of effort, some brief googling tells me that there has been some interest in breeding octopuses for food, but it’s been quite difficult, particularly handling the larvae. BBC claims the current state-of-the-art is a promise that farmed octopus will be on the market in 2023.
Update 2024: that octopus farm still isn’t operational due to widespread opposition, but it’s not canceled yet either.