Male Blue-Lined Octopuses Use Venom to Avoid Being Eaten During Mating

Researchers find that male octopuses paralyze larger female mates with tetrodotoxin to ensure safe copulation and escape post-mating.

Male blue-lined octopuses inject venom into females' aortas during mating to immobilize them and avoid sexual cannibalism.
The venom used, tetrodotoxin, is derived from symbiotic bacteria and is among the most potent neurotoxins in nature.
Females enter a temporary asphyxia-like state during mating, with slowed breathing, pale coloration, and pupil constriction.
Despite partial resistance to the venom, females sustain wounds from the bites but recover and lay eggs post-mating.
This strategy highlights an evolutionary arms race between male and female octopuses to balance reproductive success and survival.