[ANIMAL OF THE WEEK] Blue-ringed octopus

- September 6th, 2023 -

This week's animal of the week is the blue-ringed octopus! They are one of the world's most venomous marine animals and can be found in tide pools and coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Their diets consist of small crustaceans like shrimps and crabs, among others. Blue-ringed octopuses have a lifespan of 2 - 3 years and measure 12 - 20 centimeters. When provoked, blue-ringed octopuses become bright yellow and the 50 - 60 rings on their bodies flash a bright iridescent blue. 

Their bites are small and painless, so many victims do not realize they've been bitten.  Their venom is lethal enough to kill 26 adult humans and no antivenom is currently available. Symptoms of envenomation include nausea, respiratory arrest, heart failure, paralysis, blindness, and ultimately death if not treated quickly. Despite being so deadly, there are only 3 confirmed deaths caused by the blue-ringed octopus. Blue-ringed octopuses are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List but threats like degradation and overfishing may threaten population numbers.