Common name: Lesser blue-ringed octopus

General information

The Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) is a highly venomous marine invertebrate known for its striking iridescent blue rings that become more prominent when the animal is threatened. Despite its small size, typically 12 to 20 cm including arms, it carries enough venom to pose a serious threat to humans. This species is not recommended for the casual hobbyist due to the significant risks involved in keeping it.

Care

Blue-ringed Octopuses require expert care and should only be kept by experienced aquarists with a specialized setup. They need a secure, species-specific tank with a tightly fitting lid as they are known escape artists. The tank should be equipped with plenty of hiding spots and a stable, well-maintained environment. Feeding is typically done with live or freshly killed marine crustaceans.

Reproduction

In captivity, breeding Blue-ringed Octopuses is challenging and rarely attempted due to their venomous nature and the difficulty in meeting their specific care requirements. Males use a specialized arm called a hectocotylus to transfer sperm packets to females. After mating, females lay eggs and tend to them until they hatch, after which the female typically dies.

Habitat

Hapalochlaena maculosa is found in tide pools and coral reefs across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from Japan to Australia. They prefer shallow waters where they can find ample cover and prey.