Why do Male Octopuses Die after Mating? (How does Octopus Senescence work?)

Death is inevitable for male octopuses once they’ve mated because they stop feeding, they become uncoordinated, often attracting predators in the wild, and they lose the ability to heal their skin. This period near the end of life, called senescence, is driven by secretions from the optic gland that trigger the reproductive organs while inactivating … Read more

Can Dead Jellyfish Sting?  How Do Stinging Cells (Nematocysts) Work? Is Vinegar Effective?

Jellyfish washed up on beach

Yes, dead jellyfish can still sting you, even if you find one washed up on the beach.  And it doesn’t have to be a whole jellyfish – even small bits and pieces of tentacle can cause a painful sting. This is because the stinging cells, or nematocysts, can remain viable and ready to fire for … Read more

Platypus Venom and More (Yes, a Mammal with Eggs, a Duck-like Bill, and Electrical Receptors)

Photo of platypus

We’ve had the good fortune of sitting quietly and watching wild platypuses swimming and feeding in their native habitat in Eungella National Park, Australia.  The duck-billed platypus is often considered the most unique and bizarre mammal on the planet with some of the most unusual adaptations you will find anywhere.  Let’s dive into some of … Read more

How Dangerous are Stonefish? (Can You Die if You Step on a Stonefish?)

Photo of stonefish blending into coral and sand

Here’s one fish that I’m glad I’ve never encountered in its natural habitat!  I’ve written this article in the hope that this information can help prevent accidental and potentially life-threatening encounters with the most venomous fish in the world. The Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the ocean and many people have died after … Read more

Are Komodo Dragons Dangerous? (Where Can you See Them?)

Photo of Komodo dragon

Ever since my days as a young biologist, one of my favourite creatures of all time has been the amazing Komodo Dragon – largest lizard in the world! I have since had the good fortune of visiting the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park in Indonesia.  Komodo dragons are dangerous predators. You can see Komodo Dragons in … Read more