| Southern Blue-ringed Octopus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Order: | Octopoda |
| Family: | Octopodidae |
| Genus: | Hapalochlaena |
| Species: | H. maculosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Hapalochlaena maculosa Hoyle, 1883 |
|
The Southern Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) is one of 3 (or perhaps 4) species of blue-ringed octopuses. It is most commonly found in tidal rock pools along the south coast of Australia. As an adult, it can grow up to 20 centimeters long (top of the mantle to the tip of the arms) and on average weighs 26 grams. They are normally a docile species, but they are highly venomous, and possess venom capable of killing humans. Their blue rings appear with greater intensity when they undergo an emotional change.