The small but mighty blue-ringed octopus produces the most toxic venom of any cephalopod. (Image credit: Belive… via Getty Images)
Octopuses have long earned a reputation for being clever camouflagers and intelligent creatures. But some are known for a darker reason: They pose a serious threat.
One group, the blue-ringed octopuses (genus Hapalochlaena), is particularly dangerous. But what makes this creature so deadly?
Blue-ringed octopuses contain a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (TTX), which can paralyze living organisms, including humans. Tetrodotoxin is most famous for its role in pufferfish: improperly prepared “fugu” can kill anyone who eats it. Tetrodotoxin is 1,200 times more toxic to humans than cyanide, and there is no antidote.
You may like
Black widow spider venom poisons woman through eyeball
Which animals can hold their breath underwater the longest?
Sourse: www.livescience.com
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *