What happens when two of the most curious creatures in the ocean meet? Obviously, one is bound to try to eat the other. Hey, it’s nature.
There are many things which marine researchers st8ill do not know about the octopus. While it is known that on occasion they will catch and eat fish, the majority of their diet is composed of crustaceans.
This is what makes this video especially interesting. It captures the moment when divers encountered an octopus struggling with a puffer fish.
Aren’t Puffer Fish Extremely Poisonous?
Yes, the puffer fish is one of the most poisonous fish in the world. It produces deadly toxins and is also equipped with spikes on its body.
When in danger, it inflates its body into the shape of a round ball. That can be clearly seen in the video.
The Octopus Is Also Toxic
The octopus also produces a paralyzing toxin which can immobilize its prey. Likewise, it is able to inject digestive enzymes into the body of its prey before ingesting them. A sort of natural tenderizer.
Why Choose the Puffer Fish?
The video makes a point of mentioning that it is unknown whether or not it is common for octopuses to go after puffer fish.
It is not certain if an encounter with a puffer fish by an octopus is even survivable.
What Was the Outcome?
In the video, it is clear that the octopus has the upper hand. The puffer fish seems to be immobilized and the octopus is struggling, not to subdue it, but to try and eat it.
Unfortunately, the end result will never be known as the divers had to leave the area before the conclusion could be witnessed.
Did the puffer fish manage to survive?
Does the octopus eat the puffer fish?
If it did, what about the toxin, are octopuses immune to puffer fish toxin?
Watch the video and draw your own conclusions.
