Hapalochlaena species
Photo: Mark Norman
What to look for
A small, sandy-brown octopus in rubble, crevices or rock pools. When it feels threatened, its bright blue rings or lines light up as a warning.
Stay safe
Never pick up a blue-ringed octopus, or shells, bottles or cans that might hide one. Its bite can be painless, and the venom can stop you breathing within minutes. If someone is bitten, call 000, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, and start rescue breathing if they stop breathing, keeping it going until help arrives.
