What kind of animal is under twelve centimeters long but can kill within 20 minutes? The Blue-ringed octopus fits the bill. The Blue-ringed octopus refers to four subspecies of extremely venomous octopus found in the tide pools and coral reefs of the seas surrounding Australia.

The Blue-ringed octopus primarily injects its venom, a compound called Tetrodotoxin, though its beak in the form of a bite. Their venom causes prompt numbness, quickly followed by paralysis and eventually leading to respiratory failure. When not immediately treated, the venom of this little creature
can kill a person in just twenty minutes. The tetrodoxin concentration of the venom is so high that only one milligram of it can kill a human. The venom is even more potent than cyanide. Those who are unfortunate enough to sustain a bite from the Blue-ringed octopus can be saved by being heavily bandaged and rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment.

While this will certainly keep people aware of Blue-ringed octopuses, few have been severely harmed from their venomous bite. Three deaths have been reported from the Blue-ringed octopus. Usually, this reef-dweller is quite antisocial, choosing to hide or flee instead of attack. Most octopus bites are provoked and occur when the octopus is feeling extreme stress or fear.

The venom of the Blue-ringed octopus has served it very well: the creature is not under threat of extinction. The striking yellow hue and accompanying bright blue rings adorning its skin keep predators away, and the known venom potency keeps humans at bay as well. The Blue-ringed octopus is protected by its toxicity.