Bohol Woman Picks Up Tiny Octopus at the Beach — Turns Out It Can Kill 20 People
Content creator Anna Marie Gultinao probably didn't expect to go viral for almost dying — but that's basically what happened when she casually picked up a small brown octopus with blue rings while gathering sea plants in Anda, Bohol.
She posted the footage online, and her comments section immediately erupted with warnings: that adorable little creature she was holding was a blue-ringed octopus, one of the most venomous animals in the ocean. Despite being only as big as a golf ball, a single one carries enough tetrodotoxin — the same venom found in puffer fish — to paralyze and kill up to 20 people. One milligram is all it takes.
Marine biologist Glenville Castrence explained on GMA's "24 Oras" that blue-ringed octopuses are actually docile and don't attack aggressively. "Iwasan, huwag paglaruan," he warned. "Most incidents are accidental — pag nako-corner sila and na-provoke, dun lumalabas ang bangis nila." So basically, don't corner or play with the tiny murder octopus.
The segment also highlighted box jellyfish as another dangerous sea creature lurking in Philippine waters. Their stings from even three meters away can feel like a burn or electric shock, thanks to microscopic nematocysts that release venom on contact. If stung, experts advise dousing the area with vinegar and seeking medical help ASAP — and definitely don't rub the affected area.
Anna Marie lucked out big time on this one. The blue-ringed octopus has no known antivenom — treatment basically involves keeping the victim breathing until the toxin wears off. Let this be a PSA for everyone heading to the beach: if you see a tiny octopus with glowing blue rings, admire it from very, very far away.
Source: GMA News
