Free C2C crochet pattern Blue-Ringed Octopus

 Free C2C pattern
Blue-Ringed Octopus (50x60)

Materials:
3.0 mm hook

darning needle to weave in ends

DK yarn
scissors

optional: stitch markers

Yarn colours:

White

Black

Yellow

Blue
Pink

Any colour you wish to use for the background. 

This grid is 50x60 squares and would make a very cute baby blanket!

With a 3.0 mm hook and DK yarn, for me this works up to about 72 x 87 cm (28 x 34 inches). But, this may vary depending on your yarn weight, hook size, and tension.
Gauge: 5 rows measure approximately 6 cm (2.3 inches).

If you make this, please tag me on Instagram: @katescozycrochet

Fun Facts About the Blue-Ringed Octopus

1. Those blue rings are a warning!
The blue-ringed octopus may look tiny and adorable, but those beautiful blue rings are actually a warning sign. When it feels threatened, its rings become much brighter and more noticeable. It is basically saying: “I may be cute, but please leave me alone!”

2. It is surprisingly small.
Blue-ringed octopuses are tiny compared to many other octopus species. Most are only about 12–20 cm (5–8 inches) across when their arms are spread out. That makes them small enough to fit in the palm of your hand—but definitely not something you should pick up!

3. It has a very powerful venom.
Despite its small size, the blue-ringed octopus has venom that contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful neurotoxin. It uses its venom to catch prey such as small crabs and shrimp, and also as a defense against predators. There is currently no known antidote, which makes this little octopus much more dangerous than it looks.

4. The blue rings aren't always visible.
When the octopus is relaxed, its rings can be quite difficult to see. The bright blue colour appears when the animal becomes stressed or threatened. The rings are created by special structures in its skin that reflect light in a very striking way.

5. It has three hearts!
Just like other octopuses, the blue-ringed octopus has three hearts. Two pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps blood around the rest of the body. And if three hearts weren't enough, it also has blue blood! This is because octopuses use a copper-containing protein called hemocyanin to carry oxygen.

6. It is a master of disguise.
Blue-ringed octopuses can change their colour and appearance to blend into their surroundings. They can also squeeze into surprisingly tiny spaces because, like other octopuses, they don't have bones. Their only hard part is their beak!

©Kate's Cozy Crochet