Theres more than one species of blue ringed octopus. E.g. the greater blue ringed octopus can reach a span of 20cm or more.

Definately a BRO.  There are 6 species in Australia and the northern ones are generally larger.  As Matt said, the largest is quite big.

I saw one of these at reef island, about 20cm too.  Are they as poionous as the common southern buggers.  How about a quick first aid lesson Neels if anyone gets nipped.  Basically ya gonna die if you are by yourself???

yes, they are equally poisonous.  If you get a decent dose of venom, then you may well die if there is no-one to help BUT there are only 2 reported deaths in Australia.  There are many other reports of bites that did not lead to death (sometimes due to medical aid, but sometimes without medical help).  It mainly causes respiratory paralysis so first aid is simple - EAR (mouth to mouth) and don't stop!

It has a very nasty toxin, found in lots of marine critters called Tetradotoxin.

It is a neurotoxin and basically stops muscles from working, so you tend to die from respiratory Arrest (cant breath).

First Aid:

1. Dont get bitten

2. If bitten Immobilize and pressure. Direct pressure to the bite site. Tight better than lose. Try and apply as much as you can but dont cut off the circulation. Keep as still as possible to prevent an increase in heart rate which will spread the toxin faster. If the bite is in an area where you can apply pressure to a limb bandage with ripped shirts etc (or better a proper bandage but who has that on a fishing trip). Bandage away from the heart towards the bite site and then up.

3. DRABC is danger, response, Airway, breathing and Circulation for thos that dont know. Make sure you dont also get bitten. Check victims response, but here is a big issue. It doesnt effect our cognitive function, ie our brain is working normally until it doesnt get enough oxygen. So talk and treat them normally. Dont say negative comments like "he's F&%$ed etc". Stay very positive as everything is understood, but cant respond.

4. Airway and Breathing is the issue. So get to help ASAP, and fishnut is correct. Keep going with the Artificial respiration, check the pulse but dont do formal CPR as you dont have to break ribs, its a breathing problem, and having someone pounding on your chest, with your mind active isnt cool. Keep going until you get to help. Only stop when either you are so exhausted you are at risk yourself, but Kiss of life isnt very tiring, doing Cardiac compression is. Keep being positive through all this, because I stress the victim can and does know what is happening but cant respond.

5. Let someone like me take over, and if you have followed the above and kept their Oxygenation going and get to a Medico and is artificially breathed for the will survive. Brain injury depends on how well the first aiders do at keeping oxygen levels up, and with kiss of Life you can and will save a life here if you keep going.

6 There is no antidote, just have to keep breathing for them until the toxin wears off.

A little summary from my head, but plent of info on bite treatments on the web, but they arent aggresive critters, so leave them alone and then there is no issue.

By the way, the poison is the same as what is in Fugo, ie pufferfish that the Japs eat!!!

Hope this helps.

Neels

Definitely nasty little critters, not getting stung is the key I think. haha