Greater blue-ringed octopus - Hapalochlaena lunulata

Kareko Batu, Lembeh.
Our first encounter with this beautiful but super-deadly tiny octopus!
At first it was not even displaying the blue rings so it is kind of scary to think we could have brushed him by mistake

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

Whoa, scary encounter! Such a beautiful creature though. Posted 2 years ago
1. Patomarazul
  
  Lion
  
  As long as we don't accidentally touch them they usually mind their own business. But yes, is a risk getting in the water knowing these guys are around in the sand so with neoprene I feel more secure and yet... Posted 2 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Does neoprene protect you from stings and contact with creatures like this? Posted 2 years ago
  2. 1. Patomarazul
      
      Lion
      
      To tell you the truth, if the octopus decides to bite, I don't think so because the neoprene we use in these temperatures is only 3 mm. But for other animals like small scorpionfishes and all kinds of corals it may spare us from some -less serious but annoying- stings by brushes. Now, that being said, I've got stung by something in my knee -with neoprene on- and I don't know what it was but 8 months later I still have a scar!
      ...It may be a false security feeling but I still prefer to be covered in neoprene when I dive in these waters. At least I avoid many more stings by accidental brushes. But being aware of your surroundings is important because eg the blue-ring octopus is not aggressive but if you land your leg on it by accident it may bite, indeed. Sometimes one wonders how do we come back alive from these encounters! Posted 2 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Wow!! Definitely a place where you need to stay alert! Posted 2 years ago