Just because an animal looks cute does n’t mean it ca n’t kill . In a now - viral TV first posted to Taiwanese social media app Tik Tok before do the round onReddit , one tourer in Australia is reckon holding an octopus capable of killing a grown human in a issue of minute . Do n’t have its cunning pea - sizing fool you . Endemic to Western Australia and northerly Tasmania , the aggressiveblue - ringed octopusclocks in as one of the most venomous animals found in the world ’s oceans – and we ’re not completely sure the video post-horse knew that .
“ Its venom is 1,000 time more powerful than cyanide , and this golf - chunk size powerhouse packs enough venom to belt down 26 humans within second , ” according to theOcean Conservancy . Though the devilfish ’ beak can penetrate a wetsuit , it can also go unnoticed .
“ Although the painless bite can pop an grownup , injury have only occurred when an octopus has been picked out of its pool and plague or stepped on , ” writesBarrier Reef Australia .
Poison in the octopus ’ saliva contains a neurotoxin similarly found in pufferfish called tetrodotoxin . Used for hound prey and as a defense against predators , tetrodotoxin works by first blocking nerve signaling through the eubstance to get muscular tissue indifference , as well as sickness , vision loss , and a loss of skunk and motor skills .
Eventually , motor paralysis causes the body to break voluntarily breathing , resulting in respiratory loser and death by asphyxiation . The big part ? Victims are often aware of what is bump but ineffectual to answer . There is no know antidote for gamey - knell octopus venom , but hour of contrived respiration and heart massage may save a dupe until the poisonous substance dissipates .
“ That someone is lucky to be alive , even if it were a gargantuan Pacific octopus , I further people to enjoy tide - pooling with their eye , NOT their hand , ” said Molly Zaleski , a maritime biologist based in Alaska , to IFLScience . “ They may be precious , but not worth the risk ! ”
Zaleski says marine mammals are best observed from afar . Just last month , an Australian family was shocked to find they had unexpectedly take two of the deadly octopus homein their pockets .
“ If [ the animal ] is really cool and you ’re in a secure position , take a photo or video ! Enjoy the fundamental interaction , but otherwise forget them be , ” explained Zaleski . “ Once you ’re dwelling house you could identify the creature from your photos and realize just how lucky you might be . ”
