Picture an octopus that could be deadly to humans. You’re probably thinking of a large creature, and not one that is the size of your palm.
But indeed, that’s the blue-ringed octopus, one of several shallow-dwelling species harboring a neurotoxin in its saliva with the capability of paralyzing muscles – an effect that could, if left unaddressed, lead to fatal consequences.
There might be around 10 species of these tiny octopuses in the Hapalochlaena genus, but the more well-known examples include the lesser blue-ringed octopus (H. maculosa) and the greater blue-ringed octopus (H. lunulata).
In the same way a poisonous dart frog has a vividly colored body, blue-ringed octopuses harbor iridescent blue rings to warn of their poisonous nature. These spots stand out against dark brown backgrounds, mottling their typically beige or gray bodies.
Don’t be fooled by the beauty of these rings: These octopuses are among the deadliest of cephalopods, and there’s plenty that researchers still need to learn about them.
