Re: Sa'Vasku Colours

G'day guys,

Ahh good old Hapalochlaena maculosa (also known as Octopus maculosa),
for 
something that's only 5-10cmm in size they are sure a deadly little sod.

You won't feel them bit but about 10mm later you'll go numb, get dizzy
find 
it hard to talk, within a couple of hours you'll be vomiting and won't
be 
able to walk for a week... if you're a big strapping guy who isn't
allergic 
to seafood. If you're less than strapping then	you'd better hope you're

within 15mins of a hospital - as every muscle in your body is going to
be 
paralysed (including your eyelids) for 10 or so hours, though your heart

often comes back fairly quickly if under medical supervision. There has 
actually been very few fatalities in the last 40 years due to education,

better availability of treatment etc, but they're still one to watch out

for because if you're allergic to seafood you've got about 8 minutes to
say 
your goodbyes.

 >>Many people die each year from bites in both
 >>natural and aquarium contacts.
 >
 >Not many here. Virtually all Australians get taught about this one
from a
 >very early age.

That they do, I got it as the follow up to the seasnake lecture ;)

 >> A number of pics are available online as there is a very
 >>misguided aquarium trade of this octopus.
 >
 >I really, really hope you're kidding.

So do I!!!!! They may look beautiful, but feeding them must be a right 
royal pain in the butt!

Cheers

Beth

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Elizabeth Fulton
c/o CSIRO Division of Marine Research
GPO Box 1538
HOBART
TASMANIA 7001
AUSTRALIA
Phone (03) 6232 5018 International +61 3 6232 5018
Fax 03 6232 5053 International +61 3 6232 5053

email: beth.fulton@marine.csiro.au