Using a <25mW Wicked Laser, we were able to attract a deadly Blue Ringed Octopus right up to the camera. These tiny octopus are small and grow to a maximum size of no more than 4 inches. They are found in the South Pacific region and this one is size of my thumb. The Blue Ringed Octopus secretes a lethal toxin in the saliva that block the sodium channels in the blood to the brain and also prevent the blood from bonding with oxygen whilst shutting down the involountary muscles like the heart and diaphram/lungs. Loss of consciousness usually occurs within 120 seconds (2 minutes) and death occurs within 20-30 minutes. The venom employed by this beautiful animal is a powerful neurotoxin called Tetrodotoxin. This toxin is also found in the deadly Funnel Web Spider venom and certain types of Cone Shell.

I have kept Blue Rings as pets in the past but their are short lived and require live shrimp and crabs. Their tanks must be kept more secure than a typical aquarium. They produce colourful blue lines and rings in their skin pigmentation (utilising Chromataphores) when angered or excited. These "danger" markings can flash and pulsate but do not actually glow. Their bright colours can sometimes attract children and unfamilliar tourists. Handling these animals usually results in death. These creatures are very colour oriented and the use of a green laser was ideal in triggering the curiosity of the animal and luring him in to the shot.