Male blue-lined octopuses inject females with venom during sex to avoid being eaten, study shows

Researchers observed male blue-lined octopuses immobilising females during mating sessions that lasted between 40 and 75 minutes. Photograph: Wen-Sung Chung/University of Queensland

Male blue-lined octopuses inject females with venom during sex, paralysing their larger mates to avoid being eaten, new research has found.

The blue-lined octopus is a tiny, highly dangerous cephalopod found commonly in shallow reefs and tide pools.