![]() ![]() Blue Ringed Octopus and Human InteractionĪside from the occasional clueless diver, bites from these octopuses are usually pretty rare. Once they have snagged a meal, they use an entirely different type of venom to incapacitate their prey. When given the opportunity, they will also finish off injured fish, but typically are not capable of capturing healthy ones. For the most part, they eat small crabs and shrimp, as they are too small to pry open clams or other mollusks. Diet of the Blue Ringed Octopusīecause these creatures are quite small compared to other octopus, and even to other cephalopods, their diet is more restricted than their other cousins. Finally, the blue-lined species ranges only from New South Whales to Queensland. The southern species has a much more restricted range, and is located only off the southern coast of Australia. The greater blue-ringed octopus has a wide range, spreading from Australia to Sri Lanka, Japan, and Vietnam. It is much easier to pinpoint the range of the more common species. The lesser-known species are uncommon and difficult to locate and study. As a whole, scientists believe they live only in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Distribution of the Blue Ringed OctopusĮach species of blue ringed octopus has a different home range. Despite their colorful appearance, they have wonderful camouflage. Most of the time, you can spot these creatures in shallow waters, when you can spot them at all. Because of this, they are particularly fond of coral reefs and tide pools. They prefer habitats with rocky crevices and similar landscapes to make their dens. Like most other octopus species, these creatures roam the seafloor in search of food. One little octopus has enough venom to kill 26 adult humans! ![]() If bitten, it is important to get to a hospital as soon as possible. This toxin is actually the same type found in pufferfish. Very Dangerous – Tetrodotoxin is the venom that these octopuses use.The three most common are the greater blue-ringed octopus, the southern blue-ringed octopus, and the blue-line octopus. Some suggest there may be as many as ten different species. Variety – There is not one, not two, not three, but four different species of blue ringed octopus! Those are just the species that scientists have formally identified.This is because they are venomous not poisonous! If a blue ringed octopus bites you, it injects venom that quickly makes its way into your bloodstream. Poison – Unlike some marine species, which are poisonous when eaten, you don’t have to eat a blue ringed octopus for it to hurt you. Learn more about these potentially dangerous little creatures below. If you ever cross paths with one of these little beauties, it is important that you look, but don’t touch. ![]()
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