A venomous trip to the beach
Yesterday was as beautiful summer day, with sunshine and clear skies — the perfect beachgoing weather. Being the holiday season, Jacinta, myself, our friend Kat and daughter Emily all headed off to Williamstown beach for the afternoon.
I had my snorkling gear with me, and went for a bit of a swim around the beach to see what I could find. I had a collection bag with me, mainly to pick up any rubbish found in the water, but also to collect anything particularly interesting that I may find.
My first trip back to shore had me arrive with a pretty sea-shell, which I proudly displayed and from which a small blue-ringed octopus emerged. Yes, within only a few minutes at the beach I had discovered one of Australia's most venomous marine species. Living in Australia is grand!
We all admired the octopus for a little while, and discussed how a single bite causes paralysis and respiratory arrest, and how there is no known antivenom. Indeed, our book on dangerous creatures claims that a single octopus contains enough venom to kill ten adults. An exciting find indeed.
Being careful to stay away from the biting end of the rather annoyed cephalopod, I walked back into the ocean and let it free. The colour changes were quite amazing to watch, the octopus went from an angry blue-ringed pattern to a gorgeous orange as it swam away.
The remainder of the snorkle had me discover a number of old bottles, a golf-ball, a puffer fish, and a skate (images). Overall a most rewarding day.
