Hapalochlaena lunulata-Blue Ringed Octopus
Interactions
What kind of interactions do they endure?
The blue-ringed octopus has no known enemies, but they
sometimes have to look out for other blue-ringed octopuses. They
could defend themselves by biting/fighting each other if they
are competing for space or food. Sometimes the octopuses can
withstand this bite. Most of the time they do not run into
this type of problem. Fish, crabs, and other small organisms can
occupy spaces within the tide pools, but they are usually eaten
by the blue-ringed octopus. This organism if eaten, would be
either poisoned and/or dead because of the deadly
toxin. This organism is usually an
animal to look out for and stay away from.
There are many organisms that live with the blue-ringed octopus; jelly fish, other fishes, and other ocean animal life. These animals know not to disturb this type of organism because of the toxin it possess. Also, this toxin has a mutualistic relationship with the octopus because the toxin is actually produced by a bacteria in their salivary glands. This relationship benefits the octopus so it has a way of protecting itself in order to make-up for it's lack of defense due to it's size.
The blue-ringed octopus is a tertiary consumer. This means it eats other organisms that are secondary consumers. The interaction with humans and this organism usually does not occur.
Usually, if bitten, you will have only a couple of minutes before you could die. There is a way to treat it, but you have to be quick. Blue-ringed octopuses can live in areas where they are accompanied by other animals, but prefer to be left alone.
Here's a video of an octopus almost coming in contact with a human!
