blue-ringed octopus
Specifically refers to the blue-lined octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata) and related species. Known for its potent venom.
The blue-ringed octopus is small but highly venomous.
If you find a blue-ringed octopus in a tide pool, do not touch it under any circumstances.
Rarely used kanji form; the word is usually written in kana.
The name ヒョウモンダコ (豹紋蛸) literally means 'leopard-pattern octopus', referring to the blue rings that resemble leopard spots. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.