Blue-ring take-off

[Gonodactylus]

Trying to document different forms of locomotion in Hapalochlaena lunulata, I got this shot last night. The male had been placed with a female, but didn't mate. He was somewhat excited and started to jet off of a rock just as I took this image.

Roy

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/5463HLmaleswimminglow.jpg

[1tankneverenuff]

Your camera is [violation] and so is the octo ;).

[Harleqin 41]

What a great picture

[C-Water]

Another great pic!

[floridajhawk]

that is such a nice pic d roy lovin it

[fred says]

Such a neat creature

[mightymouse]

that is a really amazing picture

[LeftCoast]

How long have you been keeping blue rings? Seem like an intersting choice for a pet, seeing as how their bite is venomous.

[LeftCoast]

BTW, what's a stomatopodiatrist?

[Gonodactylus]

I've been keeping blue-rings for twelve or thirteen years, but they aren't pets. We have been conducting research on their reproductive behavior and toxicity. I would never advise anyone to keep them as a "pet".

Roy

[LeftCoast]

Oh, you're keeping them for research. That makes a whole lot more sense. Find anything interesting?

[bswedenburg]

out of curiosity...is there a measurable envenomation rate? and what is it? the reason i ask, is that if perhaps people see the rate at which pro's, who do it daily for a living, get envenomated, maybe they will think twice about a hobby setup. (it's alot easier on the animals as well...i would think?)

[Uriel]

Originally posted by Spiffman257
BTW, what's a stomatopodiatrist?

Stomatopod= Mantis Shrimp

Stomatopodiatrist = Scientist styudying such (amazing) animals.

Dr. Roy = World's most helpful Stomatopodiatrist.
(I was going to say 'World's Greatest', but he would most likely (as all humble and great men do) point at several others in the field as more important.


<Waves across the Bay at Dr. Roy.>


-Ron

[Mr.Lizard]

Sure it's not a foot doctor with indigestion?? LOL
Just kiddin' ya, Dr. Roy....

[Bearbait]

Need to ask you a question.. Do you know were the nearest antivenom is ? which hospital its at? do you need to fly or can you just flop around and call a cab?

I would like to see your system.

I get the blue ring in every now and a again by mistake. I will not sell them at all . They are death. one mistake and if you dont have a game plan your a goner. you keeping them as long as you have you must know the hospital that has the antivenom in CA?

If so let me know I get LR in that they sometimes crawl out of.

[danieljames]

I read a post about the blue rings only being visible if they are upset or defensive? Just curious. Beautiful picture man

[BrooklynReefer]

wow that is a beautiful animal i was going to but one in my lfs but because of the danger i did not buy it... still would love to have one

[Mr.Lizard]

I'm not sure how good an idea this is but perhaps the blue ring hitchhikers could be donated to the research project?

[satch12]

that is a beautiful animal

[B Pierce]

awsome pic! BTW how big to blue rings get(I don't want to keep one just wondering)

[Gonodactylus]

This species never exceeds a mantle size bigger than your thumb. MOst have a mantle length of 25-35 mm.

[B Pierce]

Gonodactylus, how many species of "blue-ringed" octos are there?

[juice me man]

awesome picture man.

how is the care of blue ring octos?

[Gonodactylus]

There are currently 4 described species of Hapalochlaena. Three are common, H. lunulata from Indonesia, the Philippines and surrounding areas, H. maculozsa from southern Australia and H. fasciata from southeastern Australia. There are clearly several other undescribed species. We will be describing on from northern Queensland, Norman lists 4 other species in his book "Cephalopods: a World Guide", and there are probably at least a couple more species that have been seen further north.

Roy