Blue-lined octopus | |
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Hapalochlaena fasciata | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Cephalopoda |
Order: | Octopoda |
Family: | Octopodidae |
Subfamily: | Octopodinae |
Genus: | Hapalochlaena |
Species: | H. fasciata |
Binomial name | |
Hapalochlaena fasciata (Hoyle, 1886) |
The blue-lined octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata) is one of three (or perhaps four) species of venomous Blue-ringed octopuses. It is most commonly found around intertidal rocky shores and coastal waters to a depth of 15 metres (49 ft) between southern Queensland and southern New South Wales. It is relatively small, with a mantle up to 45 millimetres (1.8 in) in length. In its relaxed state, it is a mottled yellow-brown with dark blue or black streaks covering the whole body apart from the underside of its arms, but its vibrant blue patches appear as a warning when they feel threatened. Along with its other closely related species, the Blue-lined octopus is regarded as one of the dangerous animals in the sea, and its venom can be fatal to humans. Blue-lined octopus is one of the most common of several species of blue-ringed octopuses found in Sydney. Their size range from 4.5 cm, of an adult, to 5.5 cm.