An Australian research team has discovered a new behavior in the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus: male octopuses inject a powerful neurotoxin into the female’s heart before mating. Female blue-ringed octopuses are about twice the size of males and often eat their mates after reproduction. To prevent this, the males have evolved to use a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin to temporarily paralyze the female.
According to the Australian Museum, adult blue-ringed octopuses are about the size of a golf ball and are considered one of the most dangerous marine animals. This study is the first to confirm that they use neurotoxin during mating.
"Sexual cannibalism"—where females consume their mates to gain energy for egg-laying and hatching—is common in species like octopuses, spiders, and praying mantises. Male blue-ringed octopuses must stay close to the female during mating because their mating arm is relatively short, increasing the risk of being eaten.
Dr. Chung Wen-Sung, the lead researcher, observed and recorded the mating behavior. The footage shows the male mounting the female and injecting tetrodotoxin directly into her aorta. This toxin paralyzes the female for about an hour, allowing the male to mate safely.
Viewer Comments:
Their mating is literally a life-or-death situation.
It’s really a “kill or be killed” thing, even in relationships.
→ I guess human relationships aren’t so different either.
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