Blue-Ringed Octopus: Everyone knows about the involvement of octopus in marine life. There are more than 300 species found in the world, but “Blue Ringed Octopus” is the most dangerous and poisonous.
Its venom is said to kill a person within 30 seconds. You will be surprised to know that the venom in its bite is enough to kill around 25 people. It is a thousand times more powerful than cyanide. This venomous blue ringed octopus is actually found throughout Australia, including Tasmania. There are three official species in Australia, with a maximum size of 12 and 22 cm.
The venom of the blue-ringed octopus contains tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin a thousand times more potent than cyanide for humans. But now scientists are debating the origin of tetrodotoxin in these organisms.
Tetrodotoxin was first discovered in puffer fish. In fact, it is found in more than 100 species, including the Panamanian golden frog and the rough-skinned newt. However, the toxin level varies from person to person. At the same time, its level is very high in blue-ringed octopus.
One theory states that tetrodotoxin is produced by bacteria living within the host species. On the other hand, the second theory is that it is made from the food of these organisms. Many organisms use tetrodotoxin to protect themselves. But the blue-ringed octopus uses its deadly venom to hunt prey.
Blue-ringed octopuses inject venom into their prey by biting with their parrot-like snout. However, these octopuses have little interest in humans and bites are rare. Actually, they are humble and shy creatures. But if provoked it can also bite. So it is better to stay away from them.
One oddity about the blue-ringed octopus is that people feel no pain when bitten. Many people do not know that they have been bitten. But symptoms start within minutes, so it’s important to get first aid as soon as possible.
