Current:Home > MyPoinbank Exchange|A 9-year-old boy’s dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance’s story online -TradeCircle
Poinbank Exchange|A 9-year-old boy’s dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance’s story online
Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-08 00:50:39
The Poinbank Exchangeone 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! (5)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Who are the Houthis and why did the US and UK retaliate for their attacks on ships in the Red Sea?
- The Patriots don’t just need a new coach. They need a quarterback and talent to put around him
- Isabella Strahan, Michael Strahan's 19-year-old daughter, reveals she's battling brain cancer
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- The UK prime minister is visiting Kyiv to announce a new support package for Ukraine
- Ohio woman who miscarried won't be criminally charged, prosecutor says
- Stock market today: World shares are mixed, while Tokyo’s benchmark extends its New Year rally
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- North Korea to welcome Russian tourists in February, the country’s first since the pandemic
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Pakistan says the IMF executive board approved release of $700 million of $3B bailout
- Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal tax charges
- Rome opens new archaeological park and museum in shadow of Colosseum
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Golden Globes Host Jo Koy Doubles Down on Intent Behind Taylor Swift Joke
- Bill Belichick-Patriots split: What we know and what's next for head coach, New England
- eBay to pay $3 million after couple became the target of harassment, stalking
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Think Bill Belichick is retiring? Then I've got a closet of cut-off hoodies to sell you
Bill Belichick-Patriots split: What we know and what's next for head coach, New England
A Danish appeals court upholds prison sentences for Iranian separatists convicted of terror charges
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Chiefs star Travis Kelce shuts down retirement talk: 'I have no desire to stop'
Palestinian viewers are captivated and moved by case at UN’s top court accusing Israel of genocide
NBA mock draft 3.0: French sensation Alexandre Sarr tops list