For the Clifford family of Edmond, Oklahoma, what started as a well-intentioned birthday surprise for their son, Cal, quickly turned into an aquatic adventure they never signed up for. Cal, 9, a creature enthusiast, had his heart set on an octopus for his birthday. Intrigued by their intelligence and unique appearance, the family decided to fulfill Cal’s wish, unaware of the challenges that awaited them.
While octopuses are undeniably fascinating creatures, they are not ideal house pets.
And so it began. Cal’s dad purchased a standard fish tank and promised his son he could have one; after all the cephalopod looks so much like an alien, and how cool was that? The mail order California two-spot octopus arrived in a plastic bag; the family named him Terrance, but he quickly outgrew his tank, and it was becoming harder and harder to keep him from escaping.
Octopuses are escape artists extraordinaire. Their bodies can contort into remarkably small spaces, and they possess a natural curiosity that compels them to explore; true to his kind, Terrance managed to escape his confinement on multiple occasions, leaving a trail of ink and mischief in his wake. Water damage became a constant concern, and the family found themselves constantly on the lookout for their slippery escapee.
An electrical issue was a little bit scary and that was kinda a wake up call. The reverse osmosis filter, although properly installed, had a leak so finding out that our kitchen island and floors needed to be ripped out, that was a little bit inconvenient.
Cliffords to GMA
The biggest surprise came a few months later. They discovered Terrance (since renamed Terry) wasn’t alone – she had laid a clutch of eggs somewhere between 40 and 70! While the sight of baby octopuses might seem adorable, it presented a whole new set of problems. It turned out to be 50!
One by one they hatched even though the Cliffords didn’t think it could happen because the eggs were not fertilized? Oops! Each baby got a name. They included Seayonce, Swim Shady, Jay Sea and most recent Bill Nye the Octopi.
Raising dozens of fragile octopus hatchlings requires specialized equipment and a significant investment in time and resources. Overwhelmed by the unexpected responsibility, the family realized they were in over their heads. The little ones liked to move around a lot, and before long, some had to be moved into the bathrooms since they eat each other if put into the same container.
Thankfully, the Cliffords reached out for help and a local reptile collector stepped into to help the babies.
This experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering an exotic pet. Always thoroughly research the animal’s needs before bringing it home. Many marine animals, including octopuses, are not suited for life in a captive environment. Consider adopting a pet from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are countless wonderful animals waiting for their forever homes, and responsible shelters can provide guidance and support to ensure a successful adoption.
Check it out on TikTok:
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
