Blue Ringed Octopus

Octopus blue ringed
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit5

 

possession limit10

 

boat limit-

Be very careful as this octopus can inflict an extremely poisonous bite. Limits relate to octopus species combined.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

blue ring octopus, blue-ringed octopus, southern blue ringed octopus, lesser blue ringed octopus


Scientific name

Hapalochlaena maculosa

Grows to


Up to

12cm

Identifying features


​A small greyish to brownish coloured octopus with a pattern of blue rings and markings. The rings will fluoresce bright neon blue when the octopus is under threat.

​Habitat

Found on shallow rocky shorelines in tidal pools and reef flats out to deeper waters up to 60 metres.

Handling

Exercise extreme caution as this octopus can inflict an extremely poisonous bite. Be careful if turning over dead shells or other objects in coastal rock pools.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au