The study aimed to evaluate the possibility of rearing Octopus vulgaris in single nets to reduce cannibalism and to favour growth. Octopuses were put in 3 groups, in tanks with open recirculating water system: Group F (10 free octopuses living together, 56 days); Group N (10 octopuses in individual nets, 56 days); Group NN (9 octopuses in a net with a nest, 28 days). Feeding was 'ad libitum', 3 times a week, using 3 low cost fish. Group F showed an average daily growth rate of 1.94 per cent, reaching a final weight of 512.2 compared to 412.5 of group N. The NN group showed the worst responses. Also mortality was lower in group F (1 death) than in groups N and NN (4 deaths). An open water system with octopuses living freely presents advantages. However, the idea of using single rearing modules in tanks or in the open sea should improved.