Main Entry: blue–ringed octopus

Pronunciation: \-ˈriŋd-ˈäk-tə-pəs, -ˌpu̇s\

Function: noun

: a venomous octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa synonym Octopus maculosa) of the Indo-Pacific region that is especially common along the southern coast of Australia, is capable of inflicting a fatal bite due to the injection of tetrodotoxin, and undergoes skin color changes when aroused displaying brilliant blue rings