Cameron Clifford, a 36-year-old dentist from rural Oklahoma, inadvertently sparked an internet sensation by fulfilling his 9-year-old son's long-held dream of having a pet octopus.
What started as a simple inquiry to a local aquarium store about purchasing a California two-spot octopus, also known as a bimac, quickly escalated into a TikTok saga that captivated nearly 400 thousand followers (via USA Today)
@doctoktopus They say, octopusi’ aint easy., but de-glamorozing the life of owning a very soecial and exotic pet, is necesssary to preparing for the journey you’ll take. #octopus #marinebiology #shrimpdaddy #saltwateraquarium #fyp #cephalopod #petoctopus #aquarium #octomom #clambake ♬ A Real Hero - Electric Youth & College
TikTok's Favorite Pet Octopus
Clifford's son, Cal, had held a deep fascination for octopuses since the age of 2, persistently requesting one as a pet on every occasion.
Last summer, Clifford's chance encounter with an aquarium store reignited his son's dream. Despite initial skepticism, Clifford embarked on a journey to make Cal's dream a reality, setting the stage for what would become an unexpected and costly adventure.
The preparation for their new pet, whom they affectionately named Terrance, involved meticulous research, purchasing a saltwater tank, and ensuring a proper water cycling system.
@doctoktopus They say, octopusi’ aint easy., but de-glamorozing the life of owning a very soecial and exotic pet, is necesssary to preparing for the journey you’ll take. #octopus #marinebiology #shrimpdaddy #saltwateraquarium #fyp #cephalopod #petoctopus #aquarium #octomom #clambake ♬ A Real Hero - Electric Youth & College
Fifty Baby Octopuses and Thousands in Damages Later
Initially estimating costs at $600 to $700, Clifford soon found himself spending thousands due to unexpected expenses. The arrival of Terrance's 50 surprise babies only compounded the financial strain, with Clifford spending $300 weekly on food for the hatchlings and grappling with extensive water damage to his home.
These unexpected turn of events unfolded on TikTok, where Clifford documented his and his son's octopus journey, garnering widespread attention and support.
The arrival of 50 baby octopuses presented serious logistical and financial challenges for the Clifford family. Clifford turned to TikTok after local aquariums and research facilities refused to accommodate the unexpected arrivals. His account quickly gained popularity.
Despite the joy it brought to his children, Clifford estimates spending between $3,000 and $4,000 on octopus-related expenses, which included significant water damage to their home.
A dentist fulfills his son's dream of owning a pet octopus, leading to unexpected costs and challenges, documented on TikTok, garnering widespread attention.
In a statement to USA Today, Clifford expressed both the challenges and joys of his experience, remarking, "Do not get a pet octopus unless you're ready to lose sleep and your kids' college fund simultaneously." Despite regrets over incidents such as water damage to his home, Clifford emphasized the joy it brought to his children.
As the TikTok saga gains more traction, more users urge Clifford to create YouTube videos about their new octopuses.
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