Marine Life & Conservation
The blue-ringed octopus: a beautiful but dangerous creature (Watch Video)
The third in an exciting new series of blogs introducing some of the amazing marine life you can encounter at Magic Resorts in the Philippines…
One of the most popular octopuses that’s high on almost every divers’ bucket lists, is the blue-ringed octopus. The aptly named creature gets its name from the blue rings on its skin. These creatures usually turn out smaller than everyone’s expectations, but don’t underestimate the power of these critters!
Did you know that the blue-ringed octopus is actually one of the most venomous animals in the world? You definitely don’t want to make this creature angry. So how do you know that you have gone too far and annoyed the octopus? This creature will warn you! Usually a dark brown to yellow color with blue patches or rings, it will turn darker and the blue rings will become brighter and brighter! Though usually shy in nature, if they are stepped on or angered, they will bite!
This little octopus produces two types of venom – one for protection and one for hunting. The one for protection is produced by bacteria that live in its salivary glands. The tetrodotoxin it produces is the same deadly toxin that pufferfishes have. Experiments show that one single blue-ringed octopus has enough venom to fatally paralyze 26 adult humans… at the same time! Unfortunately, there is no antivenom yet and treatment requirements include life-support machines such as artificial ventilation.
There is not just one type of blue-ringed octopus though, there are at least 10 different species which can be found in tidal pools and reefs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
During the night, these little octopuses will search for food. They tend to hunt for crabs, clams, shrimps, small fish, etc. But they also have to be wary of their predators, mainly eels.
Fun fact: when a blue-ringed octopus loses a tentacle, it will grow back automatically!
Come and dive at Magic Oceans and let the guides show you these docile blue-ringed octopuses in Anda, Bohol. The guides will help you capture that perfect picture, and you can witness how the little octopus goes about its daily life.
Some general facts!
- Blue-ringed octopuses can have up to 50 – 60 blue rings on their skin.
- They are roughly 5 – 8 inches in size.
- The bite of a blue-ringed octopus is usually reported as painless
- They tend to have a life expectancy of up to 2 years and lay 50-100 eggs when they mate.
Visit Magic Oceans Anda, Bohol and Magic Island Moalboal, Cebu… find out more at www.magicresorts.online.
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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