| The Southern Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena
maculosa) occurs in Southern Australia and is recognised by small blue rings that
cover the upper body and the arms. The Greater Blue Ringed Octopus (h.lunulata)
has larder rings and occurs in Northern Australia and farther north in the tropic western
Pacific Ocean. Other species are recognised by different patterns of blue on the body. The
Blue-Lined Octopus (H. fasciata) from New South Wales has blue lines instead of
rings on the body, but blue rings on the arms. Blue-ringed octopus are thought to harness bacteria in their salivary
glands to produce tetrodotoxin found in poisonous puffer fishes. Several human fatalities
have been attributed to bites from these small octopuses.
The powerful venom acts on the victim's voluntary
muscles, paralysing the muscles required for body movement and breathing. Mouth to mouth
resuscitation can keep the victim alive and the poison gradually wears off after 24 hrs,
apparently leaving no side effects. Such patients that have survived such an experience
talk of the terror of lying immobile and conscious while people around them are convinced
of their demise. |
