Squirmy crop harvested in waters off Fujian

More than 200,000 octopuses grown commercially are being harvested in Lianjiang county of Fuzhou, Fujian province.

"A specimen this size can fetch over 100 yuan ($14)," said aquaculturist Liu Deyin, proudly displaying a specimen weighing about 2.5-kilograms off the coast of the Huangqi Peninsula.

With around 100,000 octopuses under his care, the larger ones weighing more than 1.5 kilograms have already hit the market, commanding a price of around 56 yuan per kilogram. The smaller ones are slated for sale closer to the Chinese New Year.

Liu said the harvested octopuses are finding their way through dealers to cities across the country or to processing facilities for export.

"Recently, I've been purchasing here every day, acquiring 1 or 2 tons per day for resale in various provinces and regions. They are fetching around 64 yuan per kilogram in local markets," dealer Wu Zhong said.

According to the marine and fisheries department of Lianjiang county, more than 300,000 octopuses were raised in the county this year, with a current market-ready supply of more than 200,000.