MOMS WATERY WEDNESDAY

MOMS WATERY WEDNESDAY

We’re diving down to the depths of the ocean to meet today’s fabulous mom! The ocean is full of moms large and small, some that give live birth and some that lay eggs and go about their way! This cephalopod lays her eggs and then protects them until they hatch! But it’s not that simple, so let’s grab our diving gear and meet these special animals!

MEET THE COMMON OCTOPUS!

   Range/Habitat: Mediterranean- North Atlantic/ rocky bottoms

   Diet: Carnivore: crabs, crustaceans, mollusks

   Length: Head 9” arms up 3 ft

   Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Common octopi are cephalopods.
• They have no skeleton and four pairs of arms.
• Common octopi are considered very intelligent.
• Common octopus moms lay up to 50,000 eggs in a dark cave.
• They stay with the eggs while they develop, generally around 2-6 months.
• Common octopus moms take care of the eggs, by cleaning, holding and blowing oxygen over them.
• They will not hunt or eat while they are taking care of the eggs.
• Common octopus moms pass away soon after the babies hatch.

Wow, octopus moms give their life to make sure that their babies hatch safely! That is one amazing mom! We thought octopi before and now we love them even more!!