Blue ringed octopus

The blue ringed octopus is a small mollusk organism that could fit into the palm
of your hand. Killed by way of fear or harvested for one or both of its powerful
muscular- neurotoxins, this deceptive little critter produces a potent toxin known
as Tetrodotoxin, which is uses in self-defence. Tetrodotoxin is also found in
pufferfish and cone snails. This toxin is actually produced by bacteria that live in
the salivary glands of the octopus. 1 milligram can kill a person, and there is no
known antidote. Treatment is immediate CPR for 24 hours.

Blue Rings feed throughout the day and are occasionally seen at night feeding
nocturnally. The primary diet consists of small crustaceans such as shrimp,
crabs, and small injured fish. Biting with their beak and releasing their neurotoxic
via saliva, the blue-ringed octopus will wait until the victim is rendered useless
before consuming. One type of toxin is used to kill the prey and the other is used
as a defense. It is even speculated that they dont need to bite their prey at all,
casting the venom near their prey may be all that is needed to kill.

Their range is now recorded all over Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia,
Philippines, Malaysia and Japan. More specifically, they are found in rubble or
reef, cracks, small stones, on top of reefs and sandy bottoms often very
shallow. They are quite difficult to find. Some of the best muck diving spots in the
world include blue ringed octopus sightings as part of the usual lineup.