'Killer' octopus found along shore in Tokushima Pref.

MUGI, Tokushima -- A tiny and highly venomous blue-ringed octopus has been found along the shore here, prompting the prefectural government to issue a warning to local residents and visitors.

According to the prefectural government, members of the local Kaifu Nature Network NPO found the octopus at Matsugaiso, a stretch of rocky shoreline in Mugi, Tokushima Prefecture, on the morning of Oct. 4.

The octopus' saliva contains tetrodotoxin, a poisonous substance also found in puffer fish, and being bitten by the creature could cause death, experts say.