Dad's accidental pet purchase sparks Octo-baby explosion
Updated | By East Coast Radio
The surprise of a lifetime that cost thousands...

"That octopus better vote you father of the year," shares one TikTok user.
A dad’s octopus purchase has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Cameron Clifford is a father who fulfilled his son's octopus dreams, but little did he know that it would result in an octopus overload.
A simple purchase of a pet octopus led to 50 babies and thousands of dollars in damages.
Read More: Balenciaga’s R82,000 tape bracelet sparks controversy
This unexpected turn of events was shared across social media. Take a look at this pet octopus known as Terrance:
@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
As captured in the video above, meticulous research went into creating a safe habitat for this animal.
Initially projecting expenses to range between R11,000 to R13,300 ($600 to $700), Clifford quickly found himself in hot water due to unforeseen expenditures that accompanied the sudden appearance of Terrance's 50 offspring. Clifford now allocates R5,700 ($300) weekly for the hatchlings' sustenance, while also dealing with significant water damage to his residence.
Read More: “It’ll be fun they said!”: Viral reality check for student abroad
Research facilities that the family reached out to refused to accommodate the unexpected arrivals. Clifford turned to social media for some relief.
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.- Clifford
Despite regrets over incidents such as water damage to his home, Clifford emphasised the joy it brought to his children.
Stay tuned for more, we will bring you the latest at East Coast Radio.
Read More: Man attempts to stand for 7 days, quits after 4 hours
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
- Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
- Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606
- Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
More on East Coast Radio:

Image courtesy of TikTok
Show's Stories
-
Tech in 2025: The future is here, and it's getting weird
The future is here, and it's getting pretty weird – and slightly frighte...
East Coast Breakfast 1 day, 1 hour ago -
WATCH: Kayaker briefly swallowed by humpback whale
Even after this harrowing incident, the 24-year-old can't wait to get ba...
Stacey & J Sbu 1 day, 6 hours ago