The Blue Ringed Octopus

Hapalochlaena lunulata

    This diminutive octopus only grows to about 6-8 in. in length, but has one of the deadliest bites in the entire world. Its venom is stronger than any animal found on land. H. Lunulata injects a neuromuscular paralyzing venom. The venom contains some maculotoxin, a poison more violent than any found on land animals. The nerve conduction is blocked and neuromuscular paralysis is followed by death. The blue-ringed octopus is the size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes.

   The blue ring octopus is one awesome little dude. Nature has shown us once again that size doesn't always matter. Don't believe me? Take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, find one, pick it up and let it bite you, then you'll see.

Information provided by thecephalopodpage.com and barrierreefaustralia.com