Blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Hapalochlaena lunulata
- Common name
- Blue-ringed octopus
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Octopodidae
- Genus
- Hapalochlaena
- Size
- 7–12 cm
- Depth
- 0–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, tidepool
- Behaviours
- solitary, venomous, cryptic
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Hapalochlaena lunulata reaches 12 cm including arms. Small brown-yellow octopus at rest with distinctive electric blue iridescent rings (hence lunulata) flashing in defensive posture. One of the most dangerous marine animals: tetrodotoxin (TTX) powerful neurotoxin produced by symbiotic bacteria in salivary glands, painless bite but paralyzing in minutes, lethal without respiratory assistance (no antidote). Lives from 0 to 50 m on coral reefs, lagoons and tidepools of Indo-Pacific. Distance photo subject, never touch.
Photo of Blue-ringed octopus
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Blue-ringed octopus?
- Blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata) reaches 7–12 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Blue-ringed octopus?
- Blue-ringed octopus is found between 0–50 m deep.
- Is the Blue-ringed octopus dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Blue-ringed octopus?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Blue-ringed octopus?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the genus Hapalochlaena
Other species in the family Octopodidae
- Octopus vulgaris - Common octopus
- Wunderpus photogenicus - Wunderpus octopus
- Octopus mototi - Mototi octopus
- Abdopus aculeatus - Algae octopus
- Thaumoctopus mimicus - Mimic octopus
- Octopus hubbsorum - Hubbs' octopus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 342333)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2289324)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia