How big is the Blue-ringed Octopus?

Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) reaches 5–8 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blue-ringed Octopus?

Blue-ringed Octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.

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: Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa)

Key facts

Scientific name: Hapalochlaena maculosa
Common name: Blue-ringed Octopus
Category: Molluscs
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Hapalochlaena
Size: 5–8 cm
Depth: 1–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef, coral-reef
Behaviours: benthic, solitary, nocturnal
Ocean zones: Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Hapalochlaena maculosa reaches 8 cm. Blue-ringed octopus (Cephalopoda). Tiny (5-8 cm) but EXTREMELY VENOMOUS, neurotoxin 1000x strychnine. Iridescent blue rings visible under stress/excitement. Solitary benthic, hidden on rocky shallow shores. Very rarely observed, nocturnal. Crustacean-fish larva predator. EXTREME danger to divers even accidental contact = LC but LETHAL RISK. Heavily studied for toxicology.

Photo of Blue-ringed Octopus

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blue-ringed Octopus?: Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) reaches 5–8 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blue-ringed Octopus?: Blue-ringed Octopus is found between 1–30 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: Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Hapalochlaena

Hapalochlaena lunulata - Blue-ringed octopus

Other species in the family Octopodidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 342334)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2289331)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia