Dive sites1
Marine life profile
Blue-ringed octopus
Recorded at 1 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Blue-ringed octopus around the world
Blue-ringed octopuses, comprising the genus Hapalochlaena, are four extremely venomous species of octopus that can be found in shells between rocks and crevices in tide pools and also coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from Japan to Australia. Shy and secretive, it shelters beneath rocks and inside crevices and normally retreats when given space.
Countries1
Animal groupCephalopods
Safety profileVenomous
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
A small yellow-brown octopus whose electric-blue rings become dramatically brighter when it feels threatened.
How It Behaves
Shy and secretive, it shelters beneath rocks and inside crevices and normally retreats when given space.
Special Ability
Its glowing rings are a final warning backed by tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin used to immobilize prey.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Move slowly, stay low and let curiosity bring it closer. Avoid bright lights, sudden movements and reaching into its shelter.
Safety
Never handle it. A defensive bite may be difficult to feel but can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
The famous rings may be difficult to see while the animal is relaxed. They switch on when calm camouflage is no longer enough.
Where to Find
Look, but never reach, around shallow reefs, rocky shores, tide pools and seagrass in the Indo-Pacific.
Known countries
Australia
Sightings map
Blue-ringed octopus locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Blairgowrie Pier
Australia
Blairgowrie Pier is a fantastic site for photographers, due to the abundant macro life. It's also a popular training site, due to its sheltered position and manageable depth range (2-7m). The pier pylons and sea wall are heavily encrusted with sponges - home to many Seahorses and Nudibranchs - even the odd Tasselled Anglerfish. Ledges and hidey holes make great homes for numerous species of Rays, as well as Octopus, Squid and Giant Cuttlefish. You can also see Stargazers, Flathead, Decorator Crabs, Goatfish and many others. Blairgowrie Pier often hosts the annual Giant Spider Crab march in May-June each year. Thousands of crabs gather in the shallow waters to moult.