24/07/2025
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A female deep-sea octopus (Graneledone boreopacifica) was observed guarding her eggs continuously for 4 years and 5 months β 53 months β without leaving or feeding. This record-breaking maternal sacrifice was documented by scientists in the deep waters of the Monterey Submarine Canyon in the Pacific Ocean.
During this time, the mother octopus did not eat, moved very little, and slowly withered away as she protected her eggs from predators and kept them clean by gently blowing water over them. Once the eggs hatched, she died shortly after, completing her life cycle.
This is the longest-known brooding period of any animal on Earth, a stunning example of how far life can go for the next generation.