Hapalochlaena cf. lunulata in situ, Exmouth Gulf (Photo: Clay Bryce)

Greater Blue-ringed Octopus

Hapalochlaena cf. lunulata

Hapalochlaena cf. lunulata is a small octopus found in shallow tropical waters of the Indo West Pacific. It is likely a complex of numerous species. It differs from the closely related Hapalochlaena maculosa by its larger iridescent blue rings and more northern distribution.

Morphology

This species has a tan to orange base colour with large iridescent blue rings which can be up to approximately 12mm in diameter, present on the dorsal mantle, arm crown and arms. The animal can reach 12cm in length with up to a 15cm arm span.

Evolution

The genus Hapalochlaena contains 4 described species (according to WoRMS) but many undescribed species are known.

Behaviour

This species often found foraging at night on mud, sand and rubble areas (including intertidal reef flats. It feeds on fish and crustaceans by paralysing them with injected saliva containing a powerful toxin.

Method of reproduction

Sexual; female broods eggs until hatching

Habitat

Marine

Shallow waters often found on intertidal reef flats

Distribution

Indo-west Pacific. In Australia, Reid (2016) has it from Shark Bay in WA across to Hervey Bay in QLD.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Coleoidea
Superorder: Octopodiformes
Order: Octopoda
Suborder: Incirrata
Superfamily: Octopodoidea
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Hapalochlaena
Species: cf. lunulata
Name Published Year: 1832
Scientific Name Authorship: Quoy & Gaimard
Commercial Impact: 

None

Conservation Assessment: Least Concern

Net Conservation Benefits Fund

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Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Hapalochlaena-cf.-lunulata
Accessed 30 Aug 2023

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