Student Article

Why mother octopuses die after laying eggs.

The ultimate mom sacrifice

Female octopuses have one of the most extreme parenting styles in the animal world. After laying thousands of eggs, the mother octopus dedicates herself completely to protecting them. She guards them from predators and keeps them clean by blowing water over them to provide oxygen. But while she’s caring for her eggs, she stops eating entirely.

She stops eating to protect her babies

Eventually, she dies — often before the eggs even hatch. In some cases, octopuses have even been seen tearing off parts of their own bodies. This shocking behavior has puzzled scientists for years.

Why her body makes her stop eating

Researchers believe the optic gland is responsible. This gland, located near the eyes, sends signals that seem to cause the mother’s body to stop eating. When the optic gland is removed, the octopus lives much longer, which shows that her death isn’t just from being tired.

A sad but powerful way to protect her babies

So why does the gland do this? Octopuses can be cannibalistic, meaning they sometimes eat their own kind. Scientists think the mother's death may be nature’s way of preventing her from accidentally eating her own hatchlings.

A survival strategy

While it might seem sad, this behavior is likely an important survival strategy. It ensures that the next generation of octopuses has a better chance of making it on their own.

© Stuart Blackman / Our Media