Hapalochlaena maculosa
| Scientific name | Hapalochlaena maculosa |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Hoyle |
| Year of description | 1883 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Octopodidae |
| Genus | Hapalochlaena |
Introduction
Hapalochlaena maculosa is a salt water mollusc.
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Who is it?
Genus Hapalochlaena
Species of the Hapalochlaena genus are commonly called "blue ringed octopus". They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially from Australia to Japan. These octopuses are very poisonous. Their venom, contained in the saliva, has a strong paralyzing effect. The octopuses use it to immobilize their favorite prey : crustaceans.
All Hapalochlaena species have eight short arms and a slightly flattened head that ends in a point. Their colour vary depending on the environment and context. They are indeed able to change colour to escape predators or hunt. Their life expectancy is short and like most cephalopods, females die at the end of the reproductive cycle.
Morphology
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Size5 - 22 cm
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Coloursvivid
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Mimicrymultiple
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Type of mouthbeak
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ChromatophoresYes
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Size5 - 22 cm
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Coloursvivid
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Mimicrymultiple
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Type of mouthbeak
-
ChromatophoresYes
How to recognize Hapalochlaena maculosa ?
Hapalochlaena maculosa measures between 5 and 22 cm. This mollusc is unicolore with a predominantly or body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilitysolitary
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Way of livingnocturnal
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VenomousYes
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Dietpredator
Chromatophores are pigment cells that reflect light in the integument of some animals. They are mostly responsible for the color of the skin and eyes of cold-blooded animals and are created by the neural crest during embryonic development.
Hapalochlaena maculosa is a mollusc solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This mollusc lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although Hapalochlaena maculosa is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductiondont le mode de reproduction est encore inconnu
Hapalochlaena maculosa is a mollusc dont le mode de reproduction est encore inconnu.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature25 - 30 °C
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Depth0 - 50 m
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EnvironmentActive pelagic
Biotope presentation
Hapalochlaena maculosa is most often found at a depth between 0m and 50m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
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Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
Genome‐wide comparisons reveal a clinal species pattern within a holobenthic octopod—the Australian Southern blue‐ringed octopus, Hapalochlaena maculosa (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) - - 2018.
The reproductive biology of two species of pygmy octopuses hapalochlaena lunulata and octopus bocki - - 1998.
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
