Caring for an octopus isn’t easy.

“There’s always some valve or seal that’s not completely closed,” says Mr. Clifford. “And your storm resistant carpet isn’t rated for gallons and gallons of seawater. You’ll learn that seawater and electricity don’t always get along.”

Add to that: Octopuses are notorious (infamous) escape artists! They can squeeze through tiny openings. In 2016, an octopus named Inky escaped the National Aquarium of New Zealand. It slipped through a gap in a tank cover and down a drain. Then it swam to sea. (See Inky Escape.)

Plus, octopuses need to eat. They’re carnivores. For an ocean-dweller, that means seafood—and lots of it. Octopuses eat daily. They’ll gobble up almost any smaller sea creature: crabs, clams, shrimp, and even other octopuses. Gross! They might accept frozen shrimp, but many crave live food. The cost of this seafood buffet adds up quickly.

This diet also makes them bad tankmates. They tend to eat their neighbors. Picking other fish to share the aquarium? Choose carefully—before your octopus chews carefully.

And some species are dangerous. For example, the blue-ringed octopus has a venomous bite. One nibble can kill.

But octopuses can be smart and friendly. Some will eat out of your hand! (Not the blue-ringed octopus. Bad idea.) Some octopuses even learn to open jars. Sadly, octopuses aren’t known for their longevity. Most live for about a year.

Do you have a pet at home? We’d love to see it! Send your pet photos to WORLDkidseditor@gwnews.com. Tell us how you take care of your animal!