Key Information
Size: 18 to 22cm
Lifespan: 2 years
Habitat: Australian coastline
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Venomous
The blue ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) are extremely venomous cephalopods who live in benthic waters around 50m deep. Blue-ringed octopuses have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that secrete tetrodotoxin, or TTX, (which is also found in pufferfish and some poison dart frogs). This is a neurotoxin up to 1000 times more potent than cyanide that stops muscles from contracting, therefore paralysing the opposition. This includes diaphragmatic muscles and muscles in the respiratory tract, making the blue-ringed octopus deadly to humans. Currently, there is no anti-venom available.
Interestingly, the toxin is found in almost all organs and glands of its body and yet has no detrimental effect on the octopus itself. A mother also inserts some of the bacteria into her eggs to encourage the development of their own toxin. Perhaps the octopus has developed a resistance to the bacteria?
Colours
The bright blue and yellow appearance is consciously controlled by the octopus. They are naturally a less vibrant orange-brown and when threatened, switch on their vivid colours as a clear warning sign of their toxicity. Despite its high levels of venom, they are normally passive creatures and only release the toxin as a last resort. They will first try to escape or flash its vivid rings in warning.
Their are false blue ringed octopuses who don't carry TTX but still display the blue rings to ward off predators.
It was found that this species have a more advanced olfactory sense than its already highly developed cousins.
Questions to be answered
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