Hapalochlaena maculosa (Hoyle, 1883)
Southern blue-ringed octopus
photo by Harasti, David

Family:  Octopodidae (octopuses), subfamily: Octopodinae
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Australia and Japan. Subtropical to temperate.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Mantle length is 5.7 cm. This species is extremely venomous, tetrodotoxin venom produced in the salivary glands has potential to cause human deaths (Ref. 96968). It lives on intertidal and shallow subtidal reefs, seagrass meadows, and rubble areas. It emerges at night and forages for small crustaceans and fishes. Hatchlings are benthic (Ref. 96968).
IUCN Red List Status: (LC); Date assessed: 29 July 2014 Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

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