Blue-ringed octopus flashing its bright warning colors

A greater blue ringed octopus Hapalochlaena lunulata flashing its bright blue color ring shaped markings on its body. This tiny marine creature is one of the worlds most venomous potentially deadly animals. If provoked or stepped on, it may bite despite its friendly nature. Blue-ringed octopus venom is produced by bacteria in the mouth of the octopod. Unfortunately there is no antivenom and after a bite the venom could paralyze and eventually kill an adult human within minutes to a few hours. Death is caused by heart failure due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles. When bitten, victims must be admitted to a hospital as quickly as possible as they will need artificial respiration in order to survive. If the condition of the patient is stabilised with artificial respiration then over time several hours to days the venom will be completely metabolized by the body itself and the patient or victim will recover completely.