#hapalochlaena lunulata

Greater blue-ringed octopus

Hapalochlaena lunulata

These octopus use deadly toxins in their saliva to paralyse and kill their prey. It’s the same venom found in blowfish, which is 10,000 times more deadly than cyanide. The victim usually falls into cardiac arrest and dies due to oxygen loss. There is no antivenom.

Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus |Hapalochlaena lunulata

“The greater blue-ringed octopus is one of several species of blue-ringed octopuses. All are thought to be venomous and for their size, they are the most deadly of all cephalopods. It is said that the venom of this octopus could kill 26 adults in just a few minutes. There is no antivenom for treatment. Fortunately, these octopuses do not attack humans. Injury typically occurs when a blue-ringed octopus is stepped on or picked up.” (Source)