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>Brood times for nesting females there seemed to be about 1.8 years, while previous observations of a deep-sea octopus in cold water showed that it took 4.5 years for its eggs to hatch, a length of time longer than any other animal.

This is just mind boggling. And during that time the females aren't feeding?!

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The mothers die after the eggs hatch to provide food for the babies. It's similar to bears overeating before hibernation, except they do it to prepare for sexual maturity.

The mothers also eat their mates. Evolution seems to have pushed octopus breeding to one extreme. It's a one shot deal for both sexes.

Is is a willing choice on both counts? I.E. mate knows mother will eat them after sex, mother knows they will be eaten after eggs hatch?

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