Octomom: Deep-sea octopus guards her eggs for over four years

Researchers at the MBARI have observed a deep-sea octopus brooding its eggs for four and one half years-much longer than any other known animal. Throughout this time, the female kept the eggs clean and guarded them from predators. This amazing feat represents an evolutionary balancing act between the benefits to the young octopuses of having plenty of time to develop within their eggs, and their mother’s ability to survive for years with little or no food. Although long-term observations of deep-sea animals are rare, the researchers propose that extended brooding periods may be common in the deep sea. Such extended life stages would need to be taken into account in assessing the effects of human activities on deep-sea animals. In any case, this strategy has apparently worked for Graneledone boreopacifica-it is one of the most common deep-sea octopuses in the Northeastern Pacific.
Video producer: Susan von Thun
Script and narration: Bruce Robison
Production support: Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Kyra Schlining, Lonny Lundsten, Linda Kuhnz
MBARI press release:
www.mbari.org/n...
Original journal article:
Robison B., Seibel B., Drazen J. (2014), Deep-sea octopus (Graneledone boreopacifica) conducts the longest-known egg-brooding period of any animal. PLoS ONE 9(7): e103437. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103437

[@rattyeely]

Imagine being a deep sea researcher seeing the same octopus again and again, each time thinking it surely must be gone, but each time it's still there, for 4 whole years

[@unknown5720]

Then When after 4 years and the scientist is coming to see her again and is excited to see her again and all the scientist sees are the remnants of egg cases and the mother is nowhere to be found

[@zomboids2100]

@@unknown5720 I imagine those researchers found themselves feeling heartbroken after discovering that. They put in the time to visit that same location again and again for years, so there's bound to be an attachment for them with that octopus.

[@lppoqql]

imagine getting paid for that......

[@Hartwig870]

Imagine being so stupid that this was your take away from watching this video.

[@blacky_Ninja]

@@lppoqql I‘d love to. Getting paid for watching animals is a dream come true.

[@squashedshibber2684]

I guess this octopus wins best mother award.

[@Theflowoflove]

+Seal Girl Beautiful.

[@cassandrachlevin2842]

4 years in a row to boot!

[@zombiegoddess1524]

Naw....i think i do

[@EveryTimeV2]

And all the others.

[@mathiuseden9605]

@@zombiegoddess1524 pfft

[@jojothekangaroo7120]

I imagine the deep sea researchers might’ve grown attached and maybe celebrated or mourned after such a long and arduous brooding and for the mother to finally be at peace knowing that she did all she could.

[@claeyt4737]

Ya

[@bensoncheung2801]

Can a brooding octopus actually survive brooding if they're fed and given life support throughout the period, or do they have a kill switch?

[@rasmillion]

Of course they did, maybe snuck her a little treat

[@retributionoflilim7196]

Benson Cheung supposedly their brains shut off little by little, so could be a natural kill switch that will activate no matter what. Hopefully they can do more extensive research.

[@bensoncheung2801]

@@retributionoflilim7196 That's a shame, though a fully conscious octopus staying by her clutch would definitely be interesting to look at.

[@timber72]

This is the most heart warming and yet deeply saddening story ever.

[@halimakimathi4189]

Why don't they just get up to eat o.o wth

[@ido9988]

@@halimakimathi4189 Because that's their life cycle. The males stop eating when they reach reproductive majority and die shortly after mating.

[@FirstnameLastname-zm6ke]

Greenland shark has no sympathy. Only 4 years sitting alone in the dark at the bottom of the ocean? That's nothing

[@user-rc2gy5ik5n]

@@ido9988 what if you give them food or fed them at any way? They just automatically stop wanting to eat?

[@A6Legit]

@@user-rc2gy5ik5n good question. I wonder if they would eat if you fed them in place.p Probably not.

[@MagicMarty90]

How does something relatively large and complex live 4 years without food is the better question.

[@cometkite]

Marty Blois Well, it's not very active during that time. Also, as the video mentions, the mother will die after the eggs hatch, so it can afford to use up all its resources in this one effort.

[@wakaka2waka]

+cometkite We didn't observe the death, nor did they observe a corpse. I think you're probably right but the death behaviour requires further confirmation.

[@nogedoge]

I imagine it's the same principles that govern starvation degradation, and shallow water octopus species in how their bodies degrade from starvation and inactivity over time. Starving humans, staying hydrated, can last anywhere between 30 to 60 days, and much of that is determined by the internal resources available in your body (i.e. fat, muscle)

[@ipandacruz2040]

Parental Love

[@charlottewheeler7383]

Also the cold water would slow down life processes/metabolic action some

[@CarrieVogel77]

Here I am, crying over the bravery and devotion of a lovely little octopus mother and her babies.

[@rebeccaconlon9743]

Its not bravery or devotion, its survival of the fittest, the one who stays the longest has the better surviving offspring

[@tonystone256]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 It's still bravery and devotion.

[@danielleramos5798]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 why not both lol

[@strongholds12]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 its intelligent design. Sorry, animal don't program themselves

[@curlyhairdudeify]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 Bravery and devotion.

[@chewsday5760]

I'm happy because the mother had successfully guard her babies and sad at the same time because she had gone :( thank you for the great vid, greetings from Indonesia!

[@GekkoSeven]

1:07 smiley face

[@Jake-iw3tl]

3:)

[@KH-ks7si]

Lmao

[@darthsenate5733]

I can't unsee that now

[@maremagnus]

You're totally right! 😄

[@aqwrd8654]

Why did u have to say that :((

[@nicolewhite1288]

This deep sea octopus incubated her eggs for over 4 1/2 years. Octopus mothers never leave their eggs, but most eggs hatch within 4 moths; which is mind-blowing in itself because the mother literally gives her life up as the babies hatch. This female protected her babies for over 50 months...the longest incubation period known in any species.

[@stefan514]

53 month aren't "over 4 1/2 years" btw.. Sorry, my inner monk can't let that stand :D

[@bahshiking8018]

I misread it as 41-42 years

[@victoriadime9057]

I need better proof.. the drivers weren’t watching 24/7.

[@sayedrouf6744]

Why does the mother die when babies hatch?

[@bahshiking8018]

@@sayedrouf6744 she has lost the will to live ? #starwars

[@aflockofbeagles8219]

It’s like the underwater version of, “Charlotte’s Web” and just as heart-wrenching 😭😭😭😭😭

[@mariadelacruz1153]

True

[@itcangetbetter]

That movie woulda been a lot shorter if one damn person had a rolled up magazine

[@chitinskin9860]

@@itcangetbetter it would probably be the same length, only the theme would be about Wilbur's revenge and would probably end with a pig eating the corpse of whoever killed his spider.

[@itcangetbetter]

@@chitinskin9860 I can't imagine how since Charlotte's webs were the only thing keeping them from killing him. Bacon gets no revenge unless it's spoiled

[@chitinskin9860]

@@itcangetbetter pig escapes are a thing, they turn into feral hogs. The threat of getting eaten and needing to escape would make things pretty interesting, especially if he has even more motivation to do so. Getting all those weird feral hog mutations would make him more formidable too, the things are known to regularly attempt to eat people, succeeding every now and then. And you really can't imagine how in a movie about sapient animals with a spider attempting to save a pig's life?

[@cillyhoney1892]

Octopuses are the best mothers. What devotion.

[@vhollund]

But they die too soon despite huge 8 brains

[@CreativeCreatorCreates]

I can relate.

[@CooManTunes]

Such a subjective view.

[@user-rc2gy5ik5n]

The don't really have many options..

[@serpentinewolf7085]

@@user-rc2gy5ik5n Not breeding is an option.

[@suziperret468]

The Octopus is an amazing creature! So much respect for them and dedication to their brood. Wow...four years to protect the eggs deserves our complete admiration.

[@reregirljames8931]

Best mom goes to her for sure. Thats an extremely long time to go without eating and protecting your eggs. The creatures of the world are so interesting.

[@davidbenito5164]

Ehhhhh shes just trying to make sure her genes get passed down

[@brittle1]

Legend has it, she is still waiting for octodad to return but he already got caught up in the dadliest catch.

[@freezysyahz]

😂

[@gmoney2103]

He went out for Mollusks, and never came back, huh

[@twirlingparasol_]

Oh God thank you for making me laugh after this heartbreaking tale. ​@@gmoney2103

[@incyray9709]

that is INCREDIBLE. these octopus moms need some SERIOUS mothers day gifts SERIOUSLY :D

[@renivideht]

All of them pass after their 1st brooding. It's just the way they are so, no proper octomom will be alive to receive that gift. Sorry.

[@janedoll3237]

The gift of reproductive success is the most animals really go for.

[@victoriadime9057]

Wth

[@Groovy_Bruce]

@@renivideht what about the one that got a reality tv show?

[@sammiej.5526]

like food? xD

[@kyanite1164]

I had originally listened to a podcast about her and it was very touching to me, it's so nice to get to have an actual picture of her for when I think about her life and what she represents.

[@Dontzzzzz]

The sad thing is the mother dies after, but we can all take a lesson from this. It’s not always about us.

[@rebeccaconlon9743]

But it was selfish, it was her genetics she was protecting... 🤦‍♀️ good luck with your hollow virtue signalling

[@williamhan2064]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 Wow unnecessary hostility. Party pooper.

[@itsAstarte.e]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 wow unnecessary hostility. Party pooper. (Everyone like my comment too, because I said the same thing as he did ☝️🤳

[@EMPtaticz]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 As any animal and or human should lol.

[@itsAstarte.e]

@@rebeccaconlon9743 ahh I love duality. That moment when no one can be considered right or wrong. You Both made sense really. Bravo🤘

[@kileyrowe8091]

Here I am crying over a brave little mother who would not give up, alone in the dark, doing her very best. I am so proud of her.

[@MerkinMuffly]

Imagine spending 4 of your 4 and a half year life guarding eggs.

[@amd1273]

I thought he said they spend a quarter of their life guarding the eggs.

[@tammyboyle4232]

She stayed 4 years, she the longest brooding Octopus

[@JD-dh3yn]

@@tammyboyle4232 Recorded anyway. We don’t know for sure. Truly is fascinating

[@spalderz]

And the eggs ended up being served in a high end restaurant :-p

[@hiddensinix2767]

@@spalderz well no, they hatched

[@thrropones7656]

Energy conservation questions: As far as I can tell, no research has been done on this species (or else it is not publicly available) other than the little bit of information here. Although there are many other species which go a very long time without food, by using a number of adaptations which this octopus could potentially have some form of itself. Fat stores: Or similar systems. Instead of using all it's energy immediately, most lifeforms create stores of chemical energy for times of survival. Creatures like penguins can go almost half a year on this feature alone, and they expend large amounts of energy just to stay warm. Low dormant metabolism: Easily observable in reptiles, having a low metabolic rate when not doing anything is incredibly helpful for saving energy. Snakes can go a whole year, by having their metabolisms effectively shut off in the cold. Even more impressively, crocodiles can go up to 3 years without actually going into a hibernation like state at any point, simply because ambient temperatures are generally high in their climates. Detritivores: Aquatic detritivores can survive off of dead material floating through ocean currents. Obvious examples are immobile creatures like sea sponges, but surprisingly there is a living species of cephalopod that eats a very similar diet. The vampire squid, is this species. It doesn't live without food, it just doesn;t need to do anything to get the food. It uses a long protrusion which has small grabby hairs to hold onto the things that float by it. It is likely that the deep sea octopus has some energy storage, as very few animals don't. The specimen doesn't seem to move much during the brood, which suggests a low dormant metabolism. While it does not have any clear systems for eating nearby food particles, it is still possible that the octopus can manage it otherwise. Of course there is a chance that this species has evolved some brand new trait, which allows it to go for long periods without clear feeding. Only more studying of the creature can truly tell us it's secrets.

[@MBARIvideo]

There are many deep-sea species that we know very little about. The difficulty in studying animals in the habitat is great. With costs for ships and ROVs and the ability to find the species of interest, researchers have many hurdles to answering the multitude of questions we have about deep-sea species. Your thoughts on energy conservation are well thought out and we have very little evidence to point to how exactly the brooding octopus does survive. We do know that it has clearly found a way to survive with very little food for long periods of time.

[@MBARIvideo]

Also, low temperatures and inactivity help by keeping metabolic demand low. We saw no evidence of feeding during brooding. It is certainly possible that the mother feeds on the surrounding fauna or that in the course of protecting her eggs she feeds on would-be egg predators like Lithodid crabs. Resorption of unlaid eggs is known in other species, as is feeding on unfertilized or diseased eggs. Among deep-sea squids, species that brood their eggs rely on digestive gland lipid stores to meet their extended nutritional needs, but octopods are not known to store lipid as extensively. Regardless of how their nutritional needs are met, female G. boreopacifica spend a long time brooding.

[@Justin-zd5nv]

Thrro Pones transdermL feeding is my guess. deep sea saltwaterhae almost every element needed in quantities imho suitable for immortality if unimpeded against.

[@williamkelly5689]

I'm a large intelligent complex mammal and I went 20 days without eating it's possible to do amazing things

[@cole3843]

@@MBARIvideo thank you for your expert assessment on how these creatures could survive prolonged periods of starvation. More research will be needed to determine how they manage their resources

[@cameron30333]

They better tell those babies everything she did for them! 😅

[@victoriadime9057]

Who’s going to tell? They’re not human.

[@nakukohee1858]

Don't worry they know because it's built in them. The cycle begins.

[@LYJmusic]

🥳😂😂

[@pearlphlox]

@@victoriadime9057 C’mon! It’s a godamn joke..

[@mariadelacruz1153]

@@victoriadime9057 The joke seriously went over ur fake haired head.

[@MohannadGoesRawr]

I lived with my parents for 20 years. They win.

[@squashedshibber2684]

***** be careful, this might be an alien.

[@theincrediblehunk2668]

Can a basement be considered an egg?

[@PTFOing]

Rawest Nation You know in the stoneage they lived in groups/tribes, right? Parents didn't send their kids away to work at a lawfirm in the big city... A human parent's will, in general loving mind, to raise a kid and protect througout it's entire life is just as strong as this octopus'. It's just very different.

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

Oh fuksake lmao. I think they lose bud...

[@TaliaShire098]

Imagine having a baby in your stomach for like 20 years oml.

[@gingergiggles]

I- Oh my god that was so touching?? And what a beautiful octopus she is

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Thank you for sharing this incredible mother, and her story. I love octopuses...their gardens...their intelligence...and now their approach to motherhood.

[@bettybuttcheeks]

These videos are great! Straight to the point without a bunch of flash and filler. I will never tire of anything deep sea! ALways something neat to discover down there!

[@boop4904]

“Eventually, the day came when she was no longer there...” I never knew her, and I’ll always mourn her.😖

[@PaxSierra]

This is why I love scientists. Thank you so much. Your efforts over such a long time are very appreciated. People like you and your team restore my faith in humanity and make me think just maybe, as a species, we might make it.

[@MattyMattMatt2015]

Now thats pure dedication.

[@YourOldUncleNoongah]

wow, how sad that she has to die. And also, sad you all never caught the moment.

[@peachtrees27]

This is close-to-unimaginable: a living entity can survive that long without eating and do it willingly and continuously. Unreal...

[@onebeets]

you should meet my friend tardigrade

[@ivechang6720]

This literally brought me to tears. Congratulations and a heartfelt salute to you dear mother octopus. ♡

[@dandiaz19934]

Makes me wanna cry for some reason. Motherly sacrifice and dedication, wow.

[@jeanwanchen1]

It’s 2am I’m watching an octopus brooding and it’s going to make me cry

[@goognamgoognw6637]

bitch

[@DJUniMekaju]

My heart breaks for mother octopi and their babies.

[@paranoidhumanoid]

Good job, mama! A mother's love can never be broken! ❤️🐙☝️

[@probliss2193]

Great job. Thank you for never giving up. The more we know then the better we understand.

[@TanyaLee778]

Octopus have 3 hearts and that's why she take care of her little ones for too long, a mother loves more than what they can give... 💕

[@ekbro1297]

Wow what a life, I wonder what that octopus experiences. Just sitting there for 4 years...

[@SurlyUJest]

Reminds me of the Star Makers from Courage the Cowardly Dog

[@noR10swDBaur]

Yeah.

[@terranova8889]

Awww, dont make me cry. 😭

[@wetdreemz6734]

i was just thinking that!

[@nancyscogin7549]

I'm watching Curious on HBO Max now. Always liked him. Saddened by this video but very interesting.

[@jeancharlesclement787]

Maybe she would have gone quicker but some robotic monster with a light on it kept coming back to look at her eggs like clockwork for months and months and months....lol

[@ih82r8]

I can just imagine the Pixar version of this where all her babies finally come out and she's barely alive. They cuddle up to her arms one last time before they start exploring their new world and her view of them fades with a little wan smile as she gradually loses her grip and sinks into the deep darkness below.

[@CaliPane]

Who's cutting onions here

[@umpus]

They just swim straight away, not a single F given.

[@benjaminbradley4771]

4 years. FOR FOUR YEARS. You watched her. And this is all you tell us. Thanks.

[@pikkuadi]

So beautiful makes me almost cry

[@jassandhar9442]

Is it sad that Octopus take better care of their children then some humans?

[@busybillyb33]

Why would an octopus take care of humans?

[@Kiekerz]

It's all relative. This particular species has a very long gestation period, but once an octopus' offspring hatch, they're on their own. No parental care after that.

[@apdroidgeek1737]

Their instinct told her to do so.

[@apdroidgeek1737]

And yeah why would an octopus takes care of a human lol

[@goognamgoognw6637]

human ?! you mean nasty ape chimp. We really are apes. humans are extremely nasty. The sad part is that it's true.

[@aetherslugstar1889]

I'm in tears. I haven't cried this hard is a long time. I wish I hadn't watched this.

[@elishh8567]

Youre a beautiful sensitive soul. I cried too first time I learned their behaviour. The best most committed moms. Imagine if she died, seeing her little ones swim away. She must have felt happiness and relieve before her soul went to octopus heaven.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

Hahaha, your comment made me laugh.

[@casualagent7250]

In that case watch ‘My Octopus Teacher’ a simply brilliant documentary, from Sooth Africa 🇿🇦 🐙

[@cole3843]

I would recommend, My octopus teacher, video. Make sure that you have plenty of Kleenex on hand, it's a heart wrencher, but also a heartwarming story. You would love it.

[@KidnapSix]

What a dedicated mother. How awesome.

[@petergambier]

4 years of baby-care is an astounding fact, I wonder what goes on in her head over all that time and why doesn't the father of the brood help her out?

[@BigManTing79]

he went to get milk

[@jonathanekat3852]

I think she kills the father after the act. Some animals do that for some reason.

[@janedoll3237]

@@jonathanekat3852 to eat to have energy for the baby making? Plus animals definitely rape each other, so the mother animal might register the dad animal as a threat. Nature’s brutal.

[@brendanstein88]

The male octopus will usually die a few months after mating while the mother will die after the eggs hatch so the male has probably been dead for a while.

[@ido9988]

@@jonathanekat3852 In octopuses, the male usually die from starvation after mating, since they stop eating when they reach reproductive majority. The female, on the other hand, continues living until the eggs hatch, and then dies from starvation as well, since she doesn't feed after laying them.

[@bassranger1054]

For someone who isn't really in to aquatic life I found this absolutely fascinating to learn and see.

[@Vessynikol]

Mommy dearest! So sweet!

[@jell0pudding580]

what a perfect video. No fat and no pandering for subs or likes. Thanks for posting!

[@7CRANK7]

Agreed man and the American David Attenborough aka Bruce. Well compared and informative. Relaxing too.

[@gajalakshmirajendran5369]

Just watched MY OCTOPUS TEACHER on Netflix and so heartwarming to come to this video ❤️ It's an exotic piece of creation 🐙🦑

[@doreendaykin6693]

My favourite creature in the whole world. I love..love..love them!♥️♥️♥️ they are such gentle, intelligent, incredible precious beings & yes GREAT MOTHERS.

[@Simonsays7258]

Wow. That blows my mind! Amazing. Beautiful.

[@ThianDeVries]

😢Best mother ever 😢 Respect!

[@huntingsthompson]

Anyone else getting a Cthulhu vibe? If you freeze the video at 0:40 the rocky outcropping even looks like Cthulhu's face...

[@Peron1-MC]

00:31 aw theyre so cute :)

[@djdedan]

great vids, always happy to see you guys pop up in my sub feed!

[@brb.eatinghotcheetos]

This is so heart warming, but also incredibly sad.. That octopus is a better parent than most.

[@terrasai2857]

“Best mother award goes to...”

[@toto1232011]

It takes 4 years for the mother octopus to brood 160 eggs and become weak in the process, and it takes 1 minute for humans to cook 160 octopuses and eat and become strong.

[@richardschwarz7907]

Dear Dr. Robison, thank you for posting the video. I am investigating the life duration of some Deep Sea and Antarctic Pareledone species using their beaks and stylets (my mentors are HJHoving and Piatkowski). We believe that the Antarctic octopods have a similar brooding strategy and may achieve the same longevity as Graneledone. Thank you very much, your results served as basis for my PhD research. Best wishes, Rick

[@hayabusa27]

Imagine waking up to this world and seeing your mother already dead before you can share special moments with her

[@jstrobush]

What a tough mama octopus 🐙. 😭❤️

[@remyposees]

impressive 4, 5 years protecting her eggs. We discover new things everyday. very interesting as usual. Thanks fors sharing

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

I think octopus are the most beautiful and mysterious creatures on Earth.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Some change color according to their mood!

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

@@nhmooytis7058 I know I watch the video of the one dreaming a lot.

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman did you see the vid of the octopus opening the jar?

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

@@nhmooytis7058 no but I have seen one of them opening Coke bottles.

[@nhmooytis7058]

@@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman thought they preferred Pepsi😃

[@robbb416]

You know, human mother's guard their babies for 18+ years. .. it's incredible.

[@JoannaVancouver]

Beautiful story on Radiolab podcast Octomom episode.

[@GATOtyger]

And I got recommended this video because... I'VE NEVER SEARCHED FOR OCTOPUS IN KZbin?

[@ozziewarrens8804]

Now that is Absolutely True mother's love.

[@claudeyaz]

Love? Nah. But still super cool

[@housemana]

Please let us fix your stereo field or at least give suggestions into how to properly mix audio for press. The audio is jarringly off. This amazing research institute deserves best-in-class audio mixing to go with their awesome footage and insightful and pleasing dialogue. Thank you!

[@srahman4069]

The bigger question which 10 people disliked this video? Seriously how can anyone dislike this I'm not even into this and I won't dislike it. These people must be freaks..

[@oakenshadow6763]

+S Rahman Actually, it is now 14 dislikes, but that is nothing compared to 1233 likes. I bet the 14 didn't even finish the video

[@Nemozoli]

+Madeline McAdams ...or they weren't gestated in their mother's womb, but rather in an alien birthing pod... belonging to the lizard people!

[@sutherland559]

Excellent video, very well produced and narrated. Thanks!

[@jashanestone]

And this is why we study animals. What makes them tick. What makes them do what they do and survive how they survive.. As humans, we are the species to understand, document and even to incorporate in what's around us. Science, mother earth and father universe. 💪🏾💯‼️🌍🤗💚

[@shanksentertainment146]

1:11 that smile 😭❤️

[@andrewjames2617]

I've noticed the term "octopuses" being used more recently. Did that change from "octopi" and/or was "octopi" ever the correct term to use? Thanks for all the fascinating vids, I really enjoy them

[@MBARIvideo]

+Andrew De Mio Octopuses is the correct variation. Octopus comes from Greek, not Latin and has been in English for centuries making it an English word when English speakers use it. Octopi would be the latin pluralization. Therefore, there is no reason not to pluralize it in the English manner. While octopi can’t be justified on an etymological basis, it is not wrong. It is old enough and common enough to be considered an accepted variant. grammarist.com/usage/octopi-octopuses/

[@Nemozoli]

+Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) The oldest plural name however is from Ancient Greek - "octopodes", which, albeit rarely used, is also correct. That makes octopus the only (?) word that has three correct plural variants...

[@LTPTENSIDR]

eight variants would be podigious

[@KanjoosLahookvinhaakvinhookvin]

Almost certain that isn't correct. "Agendum," for instance, has "agendums," "agenda," and "agendas," thanks to an originally dumb conversion into English ("agenda" can be singular in English but is a plural Latin word).

[@KanjoosLahookvinhaakvinhookvin]

Not to mention I and my preferred style guide, Chicago Manual of Style (*which is the most comprehensive, but often least authoritative, of the major style guides), don't accept "octopi."

[@stefano2069]

This is more valuable than space travel, in terms of human awareness and culture

[@viewsdaily4840]

1:06 she looks like she's smiling happily while guarding her babies (but creepy at the same time coz it's just a head ahahahaha)

[@ettenadra]

Fascinating. I wish the team had been there to witness the hatching itself

[@tracimclaughlin6943]

Wow that was fascinating!!!

[@verysadcatc7897]

Wow this octopus taking care her eggs way better then humans

[@antiquarian1773]

its so peaceful down there I wish I was a jelly fish

[@lucassouto5786]

Are u sure bro? have u seen the animals that live down there right? (I know it's been four years haha)

[@Raptor-tooth]

@@lucassouto5786 just long enough to hatch some baby octopus

[@EmunahFL]

FOUR YEARS??? Octomommies starve themselves to guard their eggs before they die. That poor little mommy... She deserves an underwater memorial plaque in that spot.

[@sebastienj.c.218]

I wish politicians could be as productive and dedicated for even 2 weeks as that octopus was in 4 years.

[@Raison_d-etre]

They are, but 40% of the country would rather support Putin than their president, so what can you do?

[@kirbyswarp]

@@Raison_d-etre Oh look its another Democrat/Republican bot, shilling for their respective party that doesn't care about them.

[@scottpollock6549]

Man, these videos are so interesting to watch, thankyou so much for sharing!

[@captain_chompers]

Omg, they're too cute! May I has?

[@faderofficial4379]

Kendall Rust and the mom looked so tired and sad.

[@captain_chompers]

Dark Child She really does, that's children for you.

[@faderofficial4379]

Kendall Rust Ikr... she spent probs most of her life protecting em.

[@river_brook]

This comment is really ominous with the accompanying profile picture of a shark.

[@mariadelacruz1153]

Ur a shark. U just wanna eat them. Sharks are not friends. :V

[@petetherealrelentless6542]

shows the programming of nature.. its an amazing thing for any mother to sacrifice her life to protect her babies but to do it unflinchingly over a 4.5 year period is a whole other thing.

[@slugabunyhawaii7255]

Bless their hearts.. God is Good

[@illeatthat]

Imagine diving to those depths and seeing the octomum with a little "smiley face" staring back at you ahahha

[@HistorianHimself]

SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mundospunky]

What a wonderful story!! Thanks I learned something new!!

[@harrymills2770]

"Octopus, Octopus. Your babies are dying." - Jacques Cousteau I'll never forget that quote from his show on the octopus. It is so sad, the life they lead. They're probably as smart as we are (maybe smarter), and their lives are so short!

[@ejnacion6517]

This video and your voice was therapeutic. Thanks!

[@KN-ev1tq]

You watched her for 4 years and all we get to see is 3 minutes? RadioLab gave us 30 minutes of audio description so surely there is more video......please!!

[@cindyknudson2715]

You need more video of her sitting in one place not moving? To what end? Curious.

[@nickpheonixify]

I'm honestly surprised it could survive without food for that long let alone avoid predators

[@aj.sh600]

No matter who is mother, one thing is pretty clear, mother is always a mother. 💓💞❤️❣️

[@Fclefland]

She does it all with smile in the face... 🙂

[@ColonelBanana]

I now have another spirit animal. Yes, you can have multiple.

[@simonphoenix3789]

that is incredible... I hope her babies survived.

[@DavornUrynmar]

1:09 :)

[@louvretreekay12_]

Humans: i rock at pregnancy Octopus: hold my tentacles