This Animal Venom Is More Lethal Than Cyanide
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
Image: nhm.ac.uk
The animal with venom that is more lethal than cyanide is the blue-ringed octopus, which contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin
Image: nhm.ac.uk
Blue-ringed octopus are small, vibrant octopuses that are found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans
Image: nhm.ac.uk
Blue-ringed octopus are a genus of octopus known for their iridescent blue markings
Image: nhm.ac.uk
They kill prey and defend themselves with their famous bite, which contains a venom one thousand times more toxic than cyanide
Image: nhm.ac.uk
This paralyses their prey so they can gobble them up. It also has a deadly effect on humans
Image: nhm.ac.uk
The venom paralyses muscles, including those that control breathing, and can lead to death if not treated
Image: nhm.ac.uk
They also have special cells called chromatophores underneath their skin that allow them to change colour
Image: nhm.ac.uk
According to the Natural History Museum, there have only been "a handful" of fatalities from the octopus's bite
Image: nhm.ac.uk
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