They can be identified by their yellowish skin and characteristic blue and black rings that change color dramatically when the animal is threatened.
Venom glowing blue ringed octopus.
The blue ringed octopus is said to hold two types of venom in its saliva.
Although the blue ringed octopus bite contains the powerful neurotoxin tetrodotoxin the animal is docile.
An adult blue ringed octopus is of the size of a golf ball but if provoked they can bite attackers including humans.
The small octopuses are common in tropical and subtropical coral reefs and tide pools of the pacific and indian oceans ranging from southern japan to australia.
A single bite might lead to partial or complete paralysis blindness loss of senses nausea and resultant death within minutes if left untreated.
Despite being absolutely adorable it is one of the deadliest animals in the world the little cephalopod doesn t have razor sharp teeth or even the ability to travel particularly fast but it does produce a paralyzing neurotoxin that can leave unsuspecting company paralyzed or dead.
Blue ringed octopuses comprising the genus hapalochlaena are four highly venomous species of octopus that are found in tide pools and coral reefs in the pacific and indian oceans from japan to australia.
The blue ringed octopus is an extremely venomous animal known for the bright iridescent blue rings it displays when threatened.
To avoid being bitten by a blue ring octopus never pick up or handle this marine animal and when entering the ocean shuffle your feet as you enter to avoid stepping on the octopus.
The ability to kill their prey with one type of toxin whilst the other is used as defense.
No blue ringed octopus anti venom has yet been discovered.
A blue ringed octopus bite is a true medical emergency because of how lethal its venom is.
The blue ringed octopus though tiny packs a lethal punch.