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Southern Blue-Ringed Octopus

Its blue rings may look beautiful, but they’re actually a warning to stay away — the southern blue-ringed octopus is one of the most venomous animals in the ocean!

 

The southern blue-ringed octopus is a small species, growing only up to 20 centimeters (8 inches). It lives in shallow waters off the coast of southern Australia, often found in seagrass beds, reefs, and tidepools. At rest, it appears yellowish to dark brown with blue rings, but when threatened, its rings glow across its body as a warning display. This iridescent pattern is a warning for other animals that this octopus is highly venomous and should be left alone.

The octopus’s toxin can be used for hunting its prey as well as defense. When it finds its prey of crabs, fish, or bivalve mollusks, it will either inject its toxin into the animal itself or into the water around it. This powerful venom is a paralyzing neurotoxin, which can be fatal. While blue-ringed octopuses are toxic enough to kill humans with their bite, they have never known to be aggressive towards people — any bites sustained are thought to be in defense of being picked up or stepped on.

 

 

The souther blue-ringed octopus may be threatened by climate change, as warming water temperatures can negatively impact the coral reefs it calls home. Ocean acidification and coral bleaching threaten to destroy the habitat that these creatures depend on.

 

 

Taking steps to tackle the climate crisis — like stopping the expansion of offshore drilling — can address the acceleration of warming ocean temperatures that degrade coral habitats. Learn more about how Oceana campaigns to protect our climate here.

 

 

 

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