Blue-ringed Octopus

ID points

• Electric blue rings flare over the whole body when it is provoked
• Only the size of a golf ball
• Normally yellow-brown, with the rings faded almost out of sight

Basics

Family

Octopodidae

Length

5–10 cm

Depth

0-20 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Shallow coral reefs from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs and rubble

Diet

Small crabs, shrimp

Easily confused with

Mimic OctopusBold brown and white stripes cover the armsOctopusEight arms of equal length, each with two rows of suckersBoxfishThe body is encased in bony plates, almost square in cross section

Fun fact

Barely the size of a golf ball, this octopus carries venom enough to kill 26 adults within minutes, and there is no antidote. When it is provoked, dozens of vivid blue rings flash rapidly all over its body. It is one of the smallest deadly animals on earth.