Re: How long does it take for an octopus to regrow an arm after it loses one?

Hi Melissa,

As with so many things, it depends on what kind of octopus we're talking about,
as well as what its environmental conditions are.  I suspect amount of food and
existence of other stresses would play a role in the timing as well. 
Conversationally, I've been told one to two months.  The University of
Michigan's Animal Diversity Web says it takes about six weeks for a blue-ringed
octopus to regenerate an arm.  
Here's the reference: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/hapalochlaena/h._lunulata$narrative.html

For lots more great information about octopuses, visit The Cephalopod 
Page:  http://is.dal.ca/~ceph/TCP/index.html

This page is one of my favorites, as I'm a big fan of octopuses and squid.  I
love the fact that they challenge our assumptions about invertebrates - they're
really smart and perceptive.  Good stuff.

Check here for a story about and photo of a baby octopus that your students
might enjoy: http://www.mote.org/~lauren/motenews/winter96/octopus.phtml

Another nifty octopus link: http://www.australiancephalopods.com/index_octopus.htm

Have fun with the kids and tell them to keep asking questions!

Ruth