The blue-ringed octopus is a tiny mollusk that has the power to kill 26 humans if it were so inclined. Luckily for us, they are no so inclined. This octopus lives in the Pacific and Indian oceans, mostly in the shallow, rocky reefs and tide pools. They get to about the size of a ping-pong ball, and like most cephalopods, have relatively short life spans of about 3-4 years.
But let’s talk about the thing that makes these creatures really cool: their potent neurotoxin. The blue-ringed octopus has the same venom of a pufferfish that they store in their salivary gland. For the most part, the venom is used for hunting. They eat all sorts of small marine animals like shrimp, crab, and small fish. They use their beak to crunch into the exoskeleton and flood the poor creature with tetrodotoxin, paralyzing it. This allows the octopus to munch on it at it’s leisure.
While the blue-ringed octopus is also deadly to humans, it’s unlikely to be an issue as they only attack if threatened. Meaning you really shouldn’t do what this picture shows:
If you are bitten by a blue-ringed octopus, please seek emergency care immediately. Unfortunately, since their beak is so small you might not realize you’ve been bitten until it’s too late. You will need respiratory support as the neurotoxin paralysis your diaphragm and stops your heart. Please be careful and respectful of the wild!
Brief stories of amazing creatures 