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The Pacific Octopus Is A Hardworking Mama

The female Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) exhibits remarkable parental care...

The female Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) exhibits remarkable parental care to protect her eggs until they hatch. After mating, the female deposits her eggs in a cluster, which she attaches to the ceiling of her den or to a nearby rock using adhesive secretions. 


Once the eggs are secured, the female dedicates herself to guarding and caring for them. The female octopus remains vigilant, constantly guarding her eggs against potential threats. She uses her arms to gently envelop the egg cluster, keeping them close to her body and away from predators. 


To ensure a steady supply of oxygen to the developing embryos, the female periodically fans the egg cluster with her arms, creating water currents that promote oxygen exchange. The female octopus cleans the egg cluster by gently blowing water over them and removing any debris or sediment that may accumulate on the egg capsules. This helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for the developing embryos. 


If threatened by predators or intruders, the female octopus displays aggressive behavior to deter potential attackers. She may use her arms to fend off threats or release ink to create a distraction while she defends her eggs. In some cases, the female Pacific octopus may even sacrifice herself to protect her eggs. 


After the eggs hatch, the female's energy reserves are depleted from the months-long brooding process, and she typically dies shortly afterward. This act of self-sacrifice ensures the survival of her offspring.

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