A Pet Request Unlike Any Other

Most kids beg their parents for a pet at some point—dogs, cats, hamsters, or even rabbits. But very few parents hear their child ask for an octopus.

For the Clifford family, however, that was the only pet their son, Cal, wanted. From the time he was three years old, he was obsessed with marine life, watching ocean documentaries, reading books about sea creatures, and visiting aquariums every chance he got.

For years, Cal’s parents, Cameron Clifford and his partner, resisted the idea. An octopus seemed like an impossible pet—how would they care for it? Where would they even get one? But after six years of constant pleading, they finally gave in.

On October 11, 2023, Cal received the surprise of his life: a pet octopus, which he named Terrance after a rebellious book character he admired.

Little did they know, this decision would turn their home upside down in ways they never could have imagined.

Aaaand here’s Terrance! (**TikTok/Doctoktopus**)

The Unexpected Reality of Owning an Octopus

Unlike traditional pets, octopuses require very specific care. They are highly intelligent, capable of escaping tanks, and need constant stimulation to stay healthy.

At first, things went smoothly. Terrance quickly became a beloved member of the household, and Cal spent hours watching his new pet explore its tank. The family even set up a TikTok account (@doctoktopus) to document their unique pet’s life.

However, they soon ran into challenges:

Octopuses are escape artists. They can squeeze through the tiniest openings. The Cliffords had to reinforce the tank lid after Terrance attempted an escape.
They need enrichment. Bored octopuses can become destructive. The family had to provide puzzles, toys, and even interactive feeding techniques to keep Terrance happy.
They are expensive to care for. Saltwater tanks require specialized equipment and constant maintenance, making Terrance far pricier than the family had anticipated.

But nothing could have prepared them for what happened next.

The Baby Octopus Invasion

A few months into their journey as octopus owners, the Clifford family received shocking news—Terrance was not a male as they originally thought.

Not only was she female, but she had laid eggs. And with that discovery, the household spiraled into complete chaos.

Suddenly, They Had 50 Baby Octopuses

The moment they saw the eggs, they panicked. A quick online search revealed a terrifying fact: octopuses often lay hundreds of eggs, and while not all survive, many can.

The eggs hatched, and suddenly, their home was filled with 50 tiny octopuses, each requiring a separate tank to prevent them from eating each other.

This led to:

Tanks all over the house. Their living room, kitchen, and even bedrooms were taken over by makeshift aquariums.
Soaring expenses. Running multiple tanks meant sky-high electricity bills and costly water changes.
Household disasters. Water spills became a daily occurrence, causing small electrical fires and damage to their flooring and furniture.

Cameron later joked in an interview with USA Today:

“Do not get a pet octopus unless you’re ready to lose sleep and your kids’ college fund simultaneously.”

Social Media Reacts: The Internet Can’t Look Away

As their situation spiraled out of control, the Clifford family continued sharing updates on TikTok. Their account @doctoktopus exploded in popularity, gaining over 450,000 followers as people eagerly followed the madness.

The Heartbreaking Goodbye: Terrance’s Final Days

Sadly, anyone familiar with octopuses knows that laying eggs marks the end of their life cycle.

On April 22, 2024, the Clifford family shared a tragic update: Terrance had passed away, after living an astounding 135 days post-egg-laying.

Their heartfelt post read:

“Life can be sad but still full of meaning. Even though this tank now sits empty, this sleeping boy just three feet from it now feels his soul a little more full. So much joy from a not-so-tiny octopus.”

Thousands of followers offered condolences, expressing how much they had grown attached to Terrance’s journey.

A recent glimpse at one of Terrance’s babies (**TikTok/Doctoktopus**)

What Happened Next? Life After Terrance

Though devastated by Terrance’s passing, the Clifford family remained committed to caring for her offspring. Raising baby octopuses is an extremely difficult task, as most do not survive past infancy. However, thanks to their dedication and constant care, around half of the babies made it to maturity—a remarkable achievement that even marine biologists praised.

The family’s journey continued to fascinate marine life enthusiasts. Scientists and aquarium professionals even reached out to study their experience, as successfully raising so many baby octopuses in a home setting is nearly unheard of. Many encouraged them to donate some of the octopuses to research programs, while others suggested they start an educational platform to share their expertise.

By July 2024, the surviving octopuses had grown into teenagers, and the Clifford family shared their final TikTok update, showing their progress. After that, activity on their account slowed significantly, leaving fans wondering what happened next.

Although their home had been turned upside down, the Cliffords had no regrets. Terrance had changed their lives in ways they never expected, bringing them unforgettable memories, internet fame, and a deep respect for marine life.

As for the remaining octopuses? Some were given to local aquariums, while others remained as part of the Clifford household—hopefully with fewer electrical fires this time.

Final Thoughts: Would You Ever Get a Pet Octopus?

The Clifford family’s experience proves one thing: owning an octopus is not for the faint of heart. While these creatures are fascinating, intelligent, and full of personality, they also come with unique challenges that most people are not prepared for.

First, there’s the constant upkeep—octopuses need specialized saltwater tanks, frequent water changes, and engaging environments to prevent boredom. Then there’s the escape risk—since they can fit through tiny openings, tank security is a must. And let’s not forget the emotional toll—knowing that an octopus has a short lifespan can make pet ownership bittersweet.

Still, many people were inspired by the Clifford family’s journey. Some viewers commented that they wanted an octopus of their own, while others swore they would never attempt such chaos.

Would you ever consider bringing an octopus into your home? Or does this story make you think twice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: (TikTok/Doctoktopus)