A study on preferring artificial nest where deployed in different bottom structure of octopus (Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797)

Octopus (Octopus vulgaris, Cuvier, 1797) is a species that demonstrate nesting characteristics unlike many other species in the marine ecosystem. The octopuses prefer many foreign objects (pot, tins, vehicle tires, etc.) on ground as nests besides natural nesting. Artificial nests left on the sea floor provide the octopus to shelter and populate the area. This study aims to determine the regional preference of octopuses in artificial nests located in two different ground structures (sea grass, sandy). Izmir Gulf is located in 200 artificial octopus nests, sea grasses and sandy areas on the shores of Urla island. As a result of observation and sampling studies for 3 years, natural nests and artificial nests, octopuses preferring these nests, as well as information about the preferences of the ground structures. During the study, it was observed that 103 octopuses performed to natural nests, 137 octopuses preferred to artificial nests. 85% of octopuses preferred to grass ground in artificial nests. When octopuses make natural nests are compared the ground preferences, 93% of them made sandy nests. As a result, it has been determined that sea grass areas are more preferred by octopuses in the use of artificial nests.