Scientists documented an extraordinary case of a deep-sea octopus mother protecting her eggs for more than 4.5 years, setting the longest egg-guarding record ever observed in the animal kingdom. The discovery was made by researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) while studying the deep waters of Monterey Canyon, off the coast of California. The octopus belonged to the species Graneledone boreopacifica. After laying her eggs on a rocky surface deep underwater, the mother stayed with them continuously for about 53 months. During this entire period, she carefully guarded the eggs, cleaned them, and used her arms to circulate oxygen-rich water. Scientists never observed her leaving to feed, and she appeared to slowly weaken over time. When the eggs finally hatched, the mother octopus passed away shortly afterward, which is normal for octopus species. This remarkable behavior highlights the extreme dedication of octopus mothers and how life in the deep sea can follow very different biological timelines.

Among the many interesting deep-sea creature discoveries, the female deep-sea octopus, Graneldone boreopacifica, is in a league of its own. Approximately 1,400 meters below the surface of an underwater canyon in California’s Monterey Bay, a team of scientists made an intriguing discovery.

Researchers, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), were monitoring a site where known G. boreopacifica brood–or care for–their eggs. On one particular visit, they came across an octopus with characteristic scars on its tentacles, brooding its eggs.

38 days later, they returned to find the same octopus continuing to protect her eggs. As weeks, months, and eventually years went by, the scientists were astonished that this mother never left her place. Had they just found the world’s most selfless mother?

This Deep-Sea Octopus Is Considered The Longest-Living Octopus In The World

This mother octopus typically has a single reproductive period, and then she dies

 

During this brooding period, octopus dedicate their time to guarding eggs from predators and caring for them until they hatch. This protection includes preventing the eggs from being buried in sediment and risky parasitic invaders.

Similar to how the human body defends itself against harmful organisms, including some of the most terrifying parasites known to infect humans, the mother octopus diligently cleans her eggs to prevent potential dangers.

The longest brooding period previously recorded was another octopus species, Bathypolypus articus, with a brooding period of 14 months. Therefore, scientists were amazed as they continued to monitor this deep-sea creature over the course of 53 months or 4.5 years.

This may not make it one of the longest-living creatures on earth, but it does make it the longest-living octopus recorded to date from its brooding period alone (typically, octopuses live for one or two years).

This species of octopus is known for having the longest known egg brooding period of any animal

Credit: Shutterstock

At the start of the brooding period, the octopus was a soft but vibrant shade of purple. However, what made this encounter particularly disheartening was that each time researchers returned to the site, they noticed a gradual but distinct decline in the appearance of the octopus.

Researchers observing this female noticed her becoming pale, losing pigmentation on her tentacles, a significant reduction of her skin texture, and a growing cloudiness over her eyes. This loss of color is particularly significant given that many octopuses use their coloration for camouflage, like the infamous “mime of the sea.”

As a devoted mother protecting her eggs continuously, it left little to no time for taking care of herself or seeking nourishment. Tragically, despite the researchers’ efforts to offer her small pieces of crab, she only pushed it away, never wavering in her continued commitment to her clutch.

The Cost Of A Mother’s Devotion

How and why does this octopus endure this extreme sacrifice?

 

Most octopuses brood their eggs because a prolonged brooding period provides significant benefits. The longer a mother octopus dedicates to taking care of her eggs, the more time the embryos have to develop and ultimately increase their chances of survival when they hatch.

Scientists theorize that the colder temperatures in the deep sea could potentially play a role in this extended brooding period. In colder environments, the metabolic rate–how the body uses energy– slows down. This could also explain why the eggs grow at a slower rate, requiring the octopus to protect them for a longer time.

There are many ideas as to how she managed to endure for 4.5 years, but there is nothing definitive that answers these questions. Some suggest that because of the lowered temperatures in the deep sea, her metabolism was able to slow down to an extreme degree, giving her the ability to persist without food for an extended period.

Others suggest that this octopus may use what is called energy reserves, slowly feeding off of stored nutrients in her body to prioritize the survival of her eggs. Though the exact mechanisms are unclear, her perseverance is more than extraordinary. At a time when many rare animals find themselves on the brink of extinction, this mother’s extreme devotion may be the key to the species’ survival.

While surviving this long gave her offspring a greater chance of survival in the harsh deep-sea environment, it came at a great cost to her. With no food or energy to sustain her, she slowly lost vigor until she had nothing left.

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In the end, the ultimate price she, like many other octopuses, pays is her own life. Yet, there is something bittersweet about her selfless sacrifice, knowing that, because of her critical devotion, her young have a better chance to thrive and continue the cycle again in the world she left behind.

While not warm and cuddly, no one can deny that the deep-sea octopus is one of the world’s most devoted and selfless mothers.