Male blue-lined octopuses inject females with venom during mating to avoid being eaten, temporarily paralyzing their partners, a new study has found. The blue-lined octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata) is a small yet highly poisonous cephalopod commonly found in shallow reefs and tide pools.

The blue-lined octopus is a creature of paradox. It’s a small yet deadly creature with enough paralyzing venom to kill a man. It’s also got a dazzling colorful display but a voracious appetite. To top it all off,