Hapalochlaena maculosa (Southern Blue-ringed Octopus)

This small octopus forages mainly at night feeding largely on crustaceans, particularly crabs. As in all blue-ringed octopuses, this species has large salivary glands that produce very strong toxins. The toxins are used to quickly paralyse their prey but also act as a good defence against attackers. The brilliant blue displays warn potential predators to keep away.