A 9-year-old boy in Oklahoma has gone viral on TikTok for adopting an octopus named Terrance. The boy’s parents fulfilled his dream after he expressed his desire for a real octopus pet. They bought a California two-spot octopus, also known as a “bimac,” and named it Terrance. The boy’s father, who is a dentist, began documenting their adventures with Terrance on TikTok under the account “doctoktopus,” which quickly gained over 425,000 followers. When they discovered that Terrance was actually female, they were surprised to find she had laid 50 eggs that later hatched into several dozen baby octopuses.
Despite the challenges of owning an octopus, such as ensuring the right environment and care for the pet, the Clifford family has embraced the experience with Terrance and her offspring. The family has reached out for assistance in naming the baby octopuses and finding suitable facilities to relocate them. The experience has taught the family valuable lessons about themselves and the natural world, as they navigate the joys and difficulties of caring for an octopus. Terrance, as a California two-spot octopus, has a lifespan of about one year in the wild, but has survived for four months in captivity.
While the family has prepared to care for Terrance’s offspring, they have also considered keeping one as a pet. California two-spot octopuses are found along the Pacific coast and are known for their ability to change color. They are a smaller species of octopus, growing to about 18 inches in length, and have distinctive blue spots on their bodies to ward off predators. Keeping a pet octopus can be a rewarding experience, according to experts, but they require expensive food and have short lifespans.
The Clifford family continues to share updates on TikTok about their journey with Terrance and her babies, as they work on upgrading the tank to accommodate the growing octopuses. They have received support and interest from their followers in naming and relocating the baby octopuses to suitable facilities. Despite the challenges and surprises that come with owning an octopus, the family has found joy and love in caring for their unique pets. Their story has captured the hearts of many online, showcasing the beauty and wonder of the natural world and the bond between humans and animals.
