Photo Image Blue-ringed octopus Hapalochlaena sp.

BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS

Hapalochlaena sp.

Blue-ringed octopus are solitary animals, found within sandy or rubble areas. There are at least 2 different species of Blue-Ringed octopus found in Lembeh strait. Different species can be visually distinguished from one another by their diameter, frequency of blue rings and the body size. Blue rings only appear when the animal is agitated. The rings can change thickness and pulsate. They have a highly toxic bite. First aid for a blue ring bite is continuous mouth to mouth resuscitation. This species can be recognized by its tiny blue rings scattered over the body. It lives in temperate inshore water from intertidal areas. It can usually be found at rocky reef, rubble areas, or sea grass beds. They like to hide in shells, bottles, or even cans that make them feel safe. This octopus has a small body size - about 5 cm, but has a very dangerous toxin that can cause death. This is a very rare species.
Frequency of sightings:
RARE
Best time of year:
All year round
Remarks:
Small species, body up to 5 cm, arms to 10 cm.
Divesites seen at:
Air Prang, Air Prang 2, Air Prang 3, Critter Hunt, Goby A Crab, Jiko Yansi, Lembeh Resort House Reef, Madidir, Magic Crack, Nudi Falls, Pantai Parigi, Pintu Colada, Police Pier, Pulau Abadi, Serena Besar, Tanjung Kubur, TK 1, TK2, TK3

Taxonomical order of this critter:
Invertebrate
Mollusks
Cephalopod
Octopus
-	Algae octopus
-	Blue-ringed octopus
-	Coconut octopus
-	Hairy octopus
-	Longarm octopus
-	Mimic octopus
-	Mototi octopus
-	Paper nautilus
-	Reef Octopus
-	Starry night octopus
-	Wunderpus octopus