Current:Home > StocksA 9-year-old boy’s dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance’s story online -Streamline Finance
A 9-year-old boy’s dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance’s story online
View
Date:2025-04-18 16:03:06
The one thing 9-year-old Cal Clifford wanted more than anything since he was a toddler was a pet octopus.
The boy’s family in rural Edmond, Oklahoma, humored him with toy versions of an eight-legged mollusk, but as Cal got older it became clear that only the real thing would do.
The child’s father, 36-year-old dentist Cameron Clifford, researched the possibility with a local aquarium store and before long Terrance the California two-spot octopus, also known as a bimac, was living in a watery enclosure at the family home southwest of Oklahoma City.
“We really like to encourage our children’s interests,” said the older Clifford. “It’s magical to see a kid embrace their dreams and bring them to fruition. Cal has been infatuated with the natural world and with marine biology since he was very little.”
A popular TikTok saga was launched with the father narrating the tale of Terrance the cephalopod, using a faux British accent generated by the social media app. Eventually, hundreds of thousands of people were following.
Within weeks, the tale took an surprise twist when it was learned Terrance was actually a female as it laid some 50 eggs that the family initially assumed were unfertilized. Several weeks after that, teeny near-transparent octopus babies began hatching and were given names like Rocket Larry, Squid Cudi, Swim Shady, Jay-Sea and Sea-Yoncé
Cal had burst into tears at the family dinner table when his father first announced that the local aquarium store had told him adopting an octopus would be possible.
Father and son together researched what was needed, deciding on a saltwater tank and water cycling system and ensuring they would be able to source food for the soft-bodied sea creature.
The family’s younger son Lyle and mom Kari also joined the project in their own ways. A family friend who is a reptile scientist has provided support and advice.
While female octopuses usually die soon after laying their eggs, Clifford said Terrance remains alive four months later.
Clifford said the family has gained much from the experience.
“Aside from the physical, financial and emotional requirements of owning a species such as a bimac, you will learn a lot about yourself in the process,” the Arizona-born Clifford told TikTok followers in his app-generated accent. “There’s always some valve or seal that’s not completely closed, and your storm resistant carpet isn’t rated for gallons and gallons of seawater. You’ll learn that seawater and electricity don’t always get along.”
“You will learn new things and meet incredible people and will learn that wildlife is magnificent,” he added. “But most of all, you’ll learn to love a not-so-tiny octopus like Terrance.”
veryGood! (83477)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- New 'Ghostbusters' review: 2024 movie doubles down on heroes and horror, but lacks magic
- Their WWII mission was secret for decades. Now the Ghost Army will get the Congressional Gold Medal
- Many Americans want to stop working at 60 and live to 100. Can they afford it?
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Will Apple's upgrades handle your multitasking? 5 things to know about the new MacBook Air
- A New Hampshire school bus driver and his wife have been charged with producing child pornography
- Who is Brian Peck? Ex-Nickelodeon coach convicted of lewd acts with minor back in spotlight
- American news website Axios laying off dozens of employees
- Execution in Georgia: Man to be put to death for 1993 murder of former girlfriend
Ranking
- The Daily Money: Disney+ wants your dollars
- 'Selling Sunset' alum Christine Quinn's husband arrested, faces felony charge
- Kentucky couple tried to sell their newborn twins for $5,000, reports say
- 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor Foundation Series first drive: Love it or hate it?
- Video shows dog chewing cellphone battery pack, igniting fire in Oklahoma home
- Reddit poised to make its stock market debut after IPO prices at $34 per share amid strong demand
- These Zodiac Signs Will Feel the First Lunar Eclipse of 2024 the Most
- Shop Like a Frugal Billionaire in Amazon Outlet's Big Spring Sale Section, With Savings Up to 68% Off
Recommendation
Tropical weather brings record rainfall. Experts share how to stay safe in floods.
Tilda Swinton says people may be 'triggered' by 'Problemista': 'They recognize themselves'
$6,500 school vouchers coming to Georgia as bill gets final passage and heads to governor
Presbyterian earns first March Madness win in First Four: No. 1 South Carolina up next
Police remove gator from pool in North Carolina town: Watch video of 'arrest'
Idaho prisoner Skylar Meade at large after accomplice ambushed hospital, shot at Boise PD
South Carolina House votes to expand voucher program. It’s fate in Senate is less clear
Getty Images reverses flag that Prince Archie christening photo was 'digitally enhanced'