Blue-ringed Octopus
Tagged: animal, animals, fish, invertebrateBlue ringed Octopus
Blue-ringed octopuses live in Indo-Pacific waters from southren Japan to Australia in depths of up to 30m (100 ft). They are usually found on reefs, in crevices and rock pools, and occasionally on sandy seabeds. A tiny, golf ball-sized killer lurks quietly in the tidal pools and coral reefs of the Pacfic and Indian Oceans. When threatened its vivid blue rings ‘glow’ on its body. this warning that animals or people ignore at their peril – the blue – ringed octopus is so venomous, its bite can kill a person in minutes. What’s more thereis no known anti-venom. Luckily the blue-ringed octopus is not aggressive, attacking only when provoked. There are four species, all lethal.
Loved to death
Its miniature size and beautiful markings have put the blue-ringed octopus on the wish list of many home aquarium owners. This has led to widespread hunting, which is now threatening previously stable populations. When wild animals are caught for the pet trade many more die in transit than actually reach the countries where they are sold. This is certainly true of the blue-ringed octopus. Coupled with the damage done by hunters to the coral reefs many blue-ringed octopuses inhabit, there is now some concern for the future of these animals.
Part of bodies
- Large eyes gives excellent colour vision
- Blue, iridescent rings warn other animals that the octopus is poisonous
- Eight tentacles each equipped with a double row of suction pads for gripping rocks and prey
Statistics
- status – locally common
- length – 15-20 cm (6-8in) including tentacles
- wieght – 25-50 g (1-2 oz)
- breeding season – all year round
- number of eggs – up to 30
- diet – small fish, crabs, prawns and other invertebrates
- lifespan – males: up to 2 years ; female : 6 months
Myth or Fact ?
To the Yanyuwa Aborigines of northern Australia, the blue-ringed octopus is sacred. They consider it to be the earthly from of the Pleiades star constellation which, they believe, controls the health and fertility of the environment. To them the octopus ’s glowing blue rings are the stars themselves glittering on its body.
this animal is really amazing and interresting