A child collecting shells came dangerously close to a blue ring octopus at a popular southern suburbs beach on Saturday, while elsewhere at the same beach a deadly snake was captured doing its thing.
The boy’s dad shared a warning on social media after the tiny yet highly venomous cephalopod appeared once the child brought the shells to shore.
“Went snorkelling with the boy and he collected a shell and it had this little guy in it (blue-ringed octopus). Very lucky,” the boy’s dad shared in the Facebook group Snorkeling Western Australia.
“We are not going to collect any more shells”.
Dozens took to the comments to warn people not to take shells.
“When will people learn, don’t take shells , they are homes for the sea creatures and an important part of the ocean system,” one person wrote.
“Old split tennis balls are a common one too, heard of someone chucking a found ball for their dog, only for a very p*ssed & dizzy octopus to emerge,” another person shared.
At the same beach on the same day in the same group, another person shared pictures of a different kind of venomous animal spending time on the seashore – a massive dugite.
“Mate they’ve got sharks AND snakes now. I’d be “pointing” myself in another direction if I were you, stay safe cob,” a commenter wrote.
Western Australian Museum head of aquatic zoology Lisa Kirkendale told PerthNow in October that it was not unusual to find the blue-ringed octopus in the waters off Rockingham and Perth.
“(The venom) can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis and death in some circumstances,” she said.
“A person who has been bitten might not feel much, so if a bite is expected, it is important to seek medical help immediately and in the meantime, apply pressure and artificial respiration.
“No anti-venom exists however it is important for the public to know that people have survived bites of these animals.”
Dr Kirkendale added that if a member of the public finds a blue-ringed octopus in the wild, it is best not to pick it up as they are more likely to bite if lifted or handled roughly.
“Do not carry objects, such as empty shells or beach trash tucked in a wetsuit or pocket,” she said.
“If participating in coastal clean-ups, always wear protective gloves and always inspect garbage carefully.
“Blue rings commonly inhabit rock pools but are often found in other areas that offer semi-confined spaces such as dead marine shells, clumps of mussels but also marine rubbish. They can move across patches of sand as well.”