Hapalochlaena lunulata
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-30 meters
The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most beautiful yet deadly marine animals found in Komodo National Park. Despite its tiny size — usually no larger than a golf ball — it carries enough venom to kill multiple adult humans, with no known antivenom available. When calm, this octopus is a drab yellowish-brown, blending seamlessly into the sandy and rubble substrate where it hides. When threatened or excited, it displays its warning signal: iridescent blue rings that pulse across its body in a spectacular but unmistakable message to back off. The venom, tetrodotoxin, is the same toxin found in pufferfish and is produced by symbiotic bacteria living in the octopus's salivary glands. In Komodo, blue-ringed octopuses are found at muck and rubble sites, often hiding in discarded shells, coconut husks, or small crevices. Sightings are always exciting but require extreme respect and distance. This is a look-but-never-touch animal in every sense.
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Average Size
3-5cm body
Size Range
2-5cm body, 10-20cm arm span
Maximum Size
5cm body, 20cm arm span
Feeds on small crabs, shrimp, and occasionally small fish. Injects venom through a bite to paralyse prey, then uses its beak to crack open crustacean shells.
The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most beautiful yet deadly marine animals found in Komodo National Park. Despite its tiny size — usually no larger than a golf ball — it carries enough venom to kill multiple adult humans, with no known antivenom available. When calm, this octopus is a drab yellowish-brown, blending seamlessly into the sandy and rubble substrate where it hides. When threatened or excited, it displays its warning signal: iridescent blue rings that pulse across its body in a spectacular but unmistakable message to back off. The venom, tetrodotoxin, is the same toxin found in pufferfish and is produced by symbiotic bacteria living in the octopus's salivary glands. In Komodo, blue-ringed octopuses are found at muck and rubble sites, often hiding in discarded shells, coconut husks, or small crevices. Sightings are always exciting but require extreme respect and distance. This is a look-but-never-touch animal in every sense.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Extremely dangerous. Its bite delivers tetrodotoxin, which can cause respiratory failure and death within minutes. There is no antivenom. However, it only bites when handled or stepped on — it will never attack a diver unprovoked.
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