It’s Mother’s Day and we want to celebrate by admiring some of the ocean’s best moms! From giving birth to exhausting migrations, motherhood is no easy feat, no matter the species.

Deep Sea Octopus

Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have observed a species of deep-sea octopus (Graneledone boreopacifica) brooding the same eggs for four and a half years – this is longer than any other known animal! The female octopus keeps the eggs clean and safe while they develop. Researchers at MBARI never saw her leave the eggs or eat anything. Most female octopuses only lay one set of eggs in their lives and then pass shortly after. This long brooding period ensures that the babies are fully developed and able to survive on their own once they hatch. (1)

Sperm Whale

Recently, the first recorded birth of a sperm whale was documented, showing that, instead of giving birth alone, they use a complex social network to help them through the process. Because sperm whales spend most of their lives far away from humans in the deep sea, there is a lot that we don’t know about them. This footage shows a mother giving birth, accompanied by a cooperative group response from other female sperm whales. Individuals surround the mother in a protective formation, suggesting that birth is a shared responsibility. (2)

Manatees

Manatees are dedicated mothers, teaching their calves everything they need to survive on their own. Female manatees have a gestation period of about 12-13 months and usually give birth to only one calf. Newborns can start nursing almost immediately and may continue to nurse for up to two years. (3)

References

1. https://www.mbari.org/news/deep-sea-octopus-broods-eggs-for-over-four-years-longer-than-any-known-animal/
2. https://indiandefencereview.com/sperm-whale-birth-filmed-for-first-time/
3. https://savethemanatee.org/manatee-moms-nurturing-the-next-generation/