A small octopus that hides under rocks coming out at night to feed and forage this octopus when resting is a pale brown colour but when agitated bright iridescent blue rings are highlighted over the entire animal.

A key thing to remember is that the blue rings are not always visible, and any small octopus shout be treated with care

Warning:Be aware this species is a deadly species the saliva contains the potentially lethal neurotoxin tetrodotoxin handling these animals is not recommended do not be fooled by the size

At a glance

Habitat Can be found on rocky reefs or areas of rubble and in seagrass meadows, from the intertidal areas out to a depth of at least 50m
Size Can grow to have a mantle length of around 6cm, with a total overal length of around 22cm
Origin Native
Distribution Southern Australia including around Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
Southern Australia including around Tasmania
Habitat
Can be found on rocky reefs or areas of rubble and in seagrass meadows, from the intertidal areas out to a depth of at least 50m
Size
Can grow to have a mantle length of around 6cm, with a total overal length of around 22cm
Common Name Southern Blue-Ringed Octopus
Aliases Lesser Blue-ringed Octopus,
Origin Native
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumMollusca
ClassCephalopoda
SubclassColeoidea
SuperorderOctopodiformes
OrderOctopoda
SuborderIncirrata
InfraorderOctopodoidea
FamilyOctopodidae
GenusHapalochlaena
SpeciesHapalochlaena maculosa
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Mon 24 Jan 2022 @ 23:00 PM
Updated Fri 5 Aug 2022 @ 00:00 AM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.