{"id":64900,"date":"2026-02-22T12:43:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T18:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/?p=64900"},"modified":"2026-02-22T13:06:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T19:06:22","slug":"the-blue-lined-octopus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/?p=64900","title":{"rendered":"The Blue Lined Octopus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a service to our ever-expanding <strong>WLBOTT<\/strong> community, we want to make you aware of a serious, possibly life-threatening health danger: <em><strong>The Blue Lined Octopus<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/1n5ojdhjqkqvawqan9gs4\/20260222_0646_Druidess-of-Aquatic-Wisdomg2qa.jpg?rlkey=0jr3lbwnsevh501k9sabyvcjf&amp;st=wih8ras2&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/1n5ojdhjqkqvawqan9gs4\/20260222_0646_Druidess-of-Aquatic-Wisdomg2qa.jpg?rlkey=0jr3lbwnsevh501k9sabyvcjf&amp;st=wih8ras2&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Elder G, with her <strong><em>serious <\/em><\/strong>face.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reality Requires Awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elder G<\/strong> fills us in on the Blue Lined Octopus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Blue-Ringed Octopus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The blue-ringed octopus belongs to the genus <strong>Hapalochlaena<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite being about the size of a <strong>golf ball<\/strong>, it carries one of the most potent venoms in the animal kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s be clear and plainspoken here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">It is small.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">It is beautiful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">It can stop your breathing in minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That combination is not to be trifled with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where They Live<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Primarily in tidal pools and shallow reefs around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Australia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Indonesia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Philippines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They love rocky crevices and tide pools \u2014 exactly the sort of place where curious humans poke around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/e237eeaqz0re882kk5kua\/7MX-4x45M0WFGjyrDZ6ItncFiL5AEbcQ_7XmibzwvCJVGg-Pm1NE3JRQ_Jz97d8_zCH3C5RzQCOWbiYL6cScDAQAwbMxN6eafI5fMay724A.jpg?rlkey=qi3x3niwmt17ldijb2a2z6au1&amp;st=o8eczjpl&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/e237eeaqz0re882kk5kua\/7MX-4x45M0WFGjyrDZ6ItncFiL5AEbcQ_7XmibzwvCJVGg-Pm1NE3JRQ_Jz97d8_zCH3C5RzQCOWbiYL6cScDAQAwbMxN6eafI5fMay724A.jpg?rlkey=qi3x3niwmt17ldijb2a2z6au1&amp;st=o8eczjpl&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Venom: Not a Joke<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The toxin is <strong>Tetrodotoxin<\/strong>. Same class of toxin found in pufferfish. It blocks sodium channels in nerves. Translation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Muscles stop responding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Paralysis sets in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Breathing can cease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The victim may remain conscious.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is <strong>no antivenom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment is supportive \u2014 meaning artificial respiration until the toxin wears off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now here\u2019s the critical discipline part:<br>Nearly all serious incidents happen because someone picked one up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are not aggressive.<br>They are not hunting swimmers.<br>They bite when handled or stepped on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Community Needs to Know<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you see one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Do not touch it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Do not poke it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Do not attempt to \u201crescue\u201d it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Do not take a heroic <strong>WLBOTT<\/strong> selfie with it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Calmly back away.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the blue rings start glowing bright electric blue \u2014 that\u2019s a warning display. It is saying: <em>\u201cPlease reconsider your life choices.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educational Charts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For reference and educational purposes only. Not to scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/0hki1vngyw08j5kyzrfa3\/20260222_0804_Image-Generation_simple_compose_01kj2tmjcbfhx8v2ckyq2m5kz9.jpg?rlkey=vtsm15846qwbpbltdqxtqgg7q&amp;st=evf2kbr7&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/0hki1vngyw08j5kyzrfa3\/20260222_0804_Image-Generation_simple_compose_01kj2tmjcbfhx8v2ckyq2m5kz9.jpg?rlkey=vtsm15846qwbpbltdqxtqgg7q&amp;st=evf2kbr7&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/cs7noow9e7y1zq60bwe69\/20260222_0753_Image-Generation_simple_compose_01kj2szbtmeqs95c98gqr86nb0.jpg?rlkey=y4p3i4ulad9h4ec9f2z56fp8u&amp;st=98wcqymz&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/cs7noow9e7y1zq60bwe69\/20260222_0753_Image-Generation_simple_compose_01kj2szbtmeqs95c98gqr86nb0.jpg?rlkey=y4p3i4ulad9h4ec9f2z56fp8u&amp;st=98wcqymz&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Locations of the Blue Ringed Octopus. Oddly, Ithaca New York, portions of the Andes, and a large section of the Amazon rain forest are areas of caution. Or so says AI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice from Healthline.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you feel that you have been bitten by a blue-ringed octopus and are not yet dead, then there is one appropriate response: <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#e51919\" class=\"has-inline-color\">PANIC<\/mark><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have some advice from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/blue-ringed-octopus-bite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Health Line<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/m798ju7wdedh6zxo7c6yj\/baby-blue-ringed-octopus-on-hand-1296x728-header.jpg?rlkey=vebo9ropd4io7cajed9imuuck&amp;st=amxclk9e&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/m798ju7wdedh6zxo7c6yj\/baby-blue-ringed-octopus-on-hand-1296x728-header.jpg?rlkey=vebo9ropd4io7cajed9imuuck&amp;st=amxclk9e&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/2jgabrc3calevttamyudk\/Blue-Ringed-Octopus-Bite_02.png?rlkey=n7dowgy5jbln4fl08pi6wek3l&amp;st=hxqmqcha&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/2jgabrc3calevttamyudk\/Blue-Ringed-Octopus-Bite_02.png?rlkey=n7dowgy5jbln4fl08pi6wek3l&amp;st=hxqmqcha&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"ed-note\">[ed. note: as I write this, in the semi-arid savanna of our Central Texas <strong>WLBOTT HQ<\/strong>, I am experiencing at least 8 of these symptoms. Please excuse the slight delay as I visit the ER to have my symptoms reviewed by a health professional.]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the Team!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are proud of our WLBOTT Aquatic Research team! This group of highly trained, educated, and unpaid interns form the basis of our Blue Lined Octopus Awareness campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Senior Management<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/0x6duka6s4z3llto7wlo5\/ai2_mr.jpg?rlkey=lp4gne2c93aoouxk05qwcasaw&amp;st=kisi7gjg&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/0x6duka6s4z3llto7wlo5\/ai2_mr.jpg?rlkey=lp4gne2c93aoouxk05qwcasaw&amp;st=kisi7gjg&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lab Assistants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/nndiv3o7rhc07n0kouuj9\/Collages2_mr.jpg?rlkey=ho929lwdumsyja1w96u37avie&amp;st=3yy0axdx&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/nndiv3o7rhc07n0kouuj9\/Collages2_mr.jpg?rlkey=ho929lwdumsyja1w96u37avie&amp;st=3yy0axdx&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Gregorian Chantresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>WLBOTT <\/strong>choral group, the <strong><em>Gregorian Chantresses<\/em><\/strong>, have prepared a cautionary Latin song, a snappy, catchy tune to help you maintain diligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/29hvyedzrj9qz14a4jduy\/Sanctae_Silentium.mp4?rlkey=p8cah0ytdi9pzcgezs1elh0a1&amp;st=y1reyblj&amp;raw=1\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/2xqvewoiae4vinc63sdz2\/20260222_0816_Image-Generation_simple_compose.jpg?rlkey=1j4rifva0dum1tb4zh9sencw1&amp;st=opzvp8dy&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/2xqvewoiae4vinc63sdz2\/20260222_0816_Image-Generation_simple_compose.jpg?rlkey=1j4rifva0dum1tb4zh9sencw1&amp;st=opzvp8dy&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elder G Becomes a Mother Hen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WLBOTT:<\/strong> G, I think I&#8217;m experiencing 11 of the 13 symptoms associated with a Blue Lined Octopus bite. Do you have any suggestions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elder G:<\/strong> If you genuinely think you\u2019ve been bitten by a blue-ringed octopus and are experiencing symptoms, this is <strong>not<\/strong> a creative exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bite from a blue-ringed octopus (genus Hapalochlaena) can cause rapid paralysis due to tetrodotoxin. Symptoms can include: <em>[etc., etc.]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no antivenom. Survival depends on <strong>immediate medical support<\/strong>, especially assisted breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If this is real:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Call 911 immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">If someone is with you, have them call.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Lie still.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">If possible, apply pressure immobilization to the bite site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Do not wait to \u201csee if it passes.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are alone and typing this: Stop typing and call emergency services now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now \u2014 if this is WLBOTT theater (which I strongly suspect, given your geography and history of narrative escalation), then here is the grounded truth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blue-ringed octopuses do not live in central Texas.<br>You have not been tide-pooling in Perth in the last hour.<br>You are not currently in an Indo-Pacific reef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you\u2019re feeling symptoms, the cause is something else \u2014 possibly anxiety, suggestion effect, lack of sleep, dehydration, or something entirely unrelated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But here\u2019s the line I won\u2019t cross into comedy about: If you are experiencing real neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, breathing issues), seek medical care immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No theatrics. No chanting. No Druid robes. Tell me plainly \u2014 is this a bit, or are you actually feeling something concerning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WLBOTT:<\/strong> G&#8230; do you know me not? What are the odds that I&#8217;m joking compared to actually being bitten by a blue lined octopus, while sitting at my desk in Austin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elder G:<\/strong> Elder JZ, you are a man who has:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Flown a fictional Cessna Citation around the globe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Crossed a visible equator stripe in midair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Opened a Druid pig birthing center<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Founded the Monitor Lizard Anti-Defamation League<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">And commissioned Gregorian chantresses to warn about cephalopods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The statistical probability that you were just bitten by a blue-ringed octopus while sitting at your desk in Austin is approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>0.0000000001% (\u00b1 WLBOTT margin of absurdity).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unless:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Lake Travis has become the Indo-Pacific overnight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Your keyboard contains a concealed reef ecosystem<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sally the Intern smuggled in a venomous cephalopod in a hospital lunch cooler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let me diagnose you properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are experiencing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Acute WLBOTT Escalation Syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Elevated Dramatic Marine Awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Chronic Narrative Momentum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">And possibly mild Coffee-Induced Exaggeration Disorder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recommended treatment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Sip coffee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Do not place hand inside imaginary tide pool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Continue public service announcements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Avoid unauthorized sushi.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be safe out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/slebmls7x37verdog5bc6\/20260222_1147_Image-Generation_simple_compose_01kj37asbefjx9bbd8zb8yeyb0.jpg?rlkey=rh69pwwzypghusqx84q162eje&amp;st=xundik5t&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/slebmls7x37verdog5bc6\/20260222_1147_Image-Generation_simple_compose_01kj37asbefjx9bbd8zb8yeyb0.jpg?rlkey=rh69pwwzypghusqx84q162eje&amp;st=xundik5t&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/kslkanoenqdvqur4bh7cf\/Video_Ready_For_Viewing.mp4?rlkey=mtisew1zydxzozzv9w83zyf4m&amp;st=8aag18yr&amp;raw=1\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References, Outtakes, Etc.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lyrics for Sanctae Silentium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The chant follows a traditional structure, moving from a contemplation of the octopus&#8217;s beauty to a solemn warning about its lethal nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sanctae Silentium<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Sacred Silence)<\/em><br><strong>[INTRO]<\/strong><br>(Ethereal vocalizations in unison)<br><strong>[VERSUS I]<\/strong><br><em>Parva gemma maris, in litoribus fulgens,<\/em><br><em>Hapalochlaena, specie decora.<\/em><br><em>In silentio harenae dormis,<\/em><br><em>Pulchritudo tua oculos fallit.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Small gem of the sea, shining on the shores,<br>Blue-ringed one, beautiful in appearance.<br>In the silence of the sand you sleep,<br>Your beauty deceives the eyes.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>[VERSUS II]<\/strong><br><em>Ecce! Annuli caerulei ignescunt,<\/em><br><em>Signum mortis in lumine vivo.<\/em><br><em>Manus tangens, fatum signat,<\/em><br><em>In parvo corpore, vis tremenda.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Behold! The blue rings catch fire,<br>A sign of death in living light.<br>The hand that touches seals its fate,<br>In a small body, a terrible power.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>[VERSUS III]<\/strong><br><em>Custodes maris, mementote periculi,<\/em><br><em>Gloria et mors sub undis latent.<\/em><br><em>Pax vobiscum, in cautela ambulantibus,<\/em><br><em>Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Guardians of the sea, remember the danger,<br>Glory and death lie hidden beneath the waves.<br>Peace be with you, who walk with caution,<br>Amen.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blue-lined Octopus: The Nuts and Bolts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The blue-lined octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata) is one of four species of extremely venomous blue-ringed octopuses. It can be found in Pacific Ocean waters that stretch from Australia to Japan. It is most commonly found around intertidal rocky shores and coastal waters to a depth of 15 metres (49 ft) between southern Queensland and southern New South Wales. It is relatively small, with a mantle up to 45 millimetres (1.8 in) in length. In its relaxed state, it is a mottled yellow-brown with dark blue or black streaks covering the whole body apart from the underside of its arms, but its vibrant blue markings appear as a warning to predators when it feels threatened.<\/p>\n<cite><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Blue-lined_octopus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Blue-lined octopus has a really bizarre mating ritual, described in the Wikipedia article. In deference to our gentle readers, we will not publish it here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/ppeiw40o0nmzdht0o7mlv\/Gemini_Generated_Image_50limn50limn50li.jpg?rlkey=1rrsfkwgrywyyme3rqtywc56g&amp;st=l3yhvpzq&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/ppeiw40o0nmzdht0o7mlv\/Gemini_Generated_Image_50limn50limn50li.jpg?rlkey=1rrsfkwgrywyyme3rqtywc56g&amp;st=l3yhvpzq&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/cu1t264cwm75uh18pix97\/Un-mnkjiktitled.jpg?rlkey=a1quq82lraej6a4ffr66lxkbb&amp;st=qhn6msc4&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/cu1t264cwm75uh18pix97\/Un-mnkjiktitled.jpg?rlkey=a1quq82lraej6a4ffr66lxkbb&amp;st=qhn6msc4&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/mho2f7jnn6fej279b63vk\/Unt798uyoiitled.jpg?rlkey=vwjik3ft5a97woommqvwoo8qx&amp;st=7yfhgrwq&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/mho2f7jnn6fej279b63vk\/Unt798uyoiitled.jpg?rlkey=vwjik3ft5a97woommqvwoo8qx&amp;st=7yfhgrwq&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/bekz07qre94p21w1xwy9h\/Unti978uoitled.jpg?rlkey=z4850a60h39q5rax9etw9n5m7&amp;st=d5qbvtnw&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/bekz07qre94p21w1xwy9h\/Unti978uoitled.jpg?rlkey=z4850a60h39q5rax9etw9n5m7&amp;st=d5qbvtnw&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/j24bv2ssst402qtz7ax1t\/Unti978uotled.jpg?rlkey=fzv39hl2ia5nslo5odi8okfiw&amp;st=qamzye80&amp;raw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/j24bv2ssst402qtz7ax1t\/Unti978uotled.jpg?rlkey=fzv39hl2ia5nslo5odi8okfiw&amp;st=qamzye80&amp;raw=1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a service to our ever-expanding WLBOTT community, we want to make you aware of a serious, possibly life-threatening health danger: The Blue Lined Octopus. Reality Requires Awareness Elder G fills us in on the Blue Lined Octopus. The Blue-Ringed Octopus The blue-ringed octopus belongs to the genus Hapalochlaena. Despite being about the size of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[37,174],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-scholarship-erudition","category-south-seas"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64900"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64922,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64900\/revisions\/64922"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wlbott.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}