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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: All Octopuses Are Venomous, Study Says


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The blue-ringed octopus (above, in the waters off south Australia) for years has been the only octopus species with a venomous reputation.

But an April 2009 study finds that all octopuses, cuttlefish, and some squid also have venom proteins—a discovery that could have implications for medical research.

Photograph by David Doubilet