Southern Blue-Ringed Octopus PDF
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Summary
This document describes the characteristics of the southern blue-ringed octopus, highlighting its potent venom and how it's delivered. It also explains where the octopus can be found along the Australian coast.
Full Transcript
## Southern Blue-Ringed Octopus In June 2020, a scuba diver in Australia saw a small octopus with blue rings. It was a southern blue-ringed octopus, one of the most venomous sea creatures. This small animal is only 8-10 inches long, but it is a powerful predator. When it feels threatened, its skin...
## Southern Blue-Ringed Octopus In June 2020, a scuba diver in Australia saw a small octopus with blue rings. It was a southern blue-ringed octopus, one of the most venomous sea creatures. This small animal is only 8-10 inches long, but it is a powerful predator. When it feels threatened, its skin pulsates with bright blue rings. This warns predators to stay away. If they don't, the octopus will use its venom. ### The Venom The venom of the southern blue-ringed octopus is more deadly than any venom released by land animals. It is different from poison, as it doesn't immediately kill its victims. Instead, the venom paralyzes the victim, causing its body to shut down. The animal can't move or defend itself and eventually dies. All octopuses are venomous, but the southern blue-ringed octopus's venom is particularly toxic. ### Delivering the Venom The octopus delivers its venom in two ways: 1. **Biting:** It bites its victim and injects venom directly. 2. **Cloud Release:** It releases a cloud of venom into the water, which can be absorbed through the victim's gills. This venom is produced by bacteria living in the salivary glands of the octopus. Humans also produce saliva, but the octopus's saliva contains a toxin that causes muscle paralysis. The octopus uses its venom to hunt for prey, such as small crabs and shrimp. ### Finding the Blue-Ringed Octopus You can find the southern blue-ringed octopus along the southern coast of Australia, usually in tidal pools or shallow areas near reefs. While it is extremely deadly, it is not an aggressive creature. The octopus prefers to hide under ledges and rocks to avoid interaction with larger animals. The only time the octopus might harm a human is if it is picked up or stepped on.
