OFTEN confused with the blue-ringed octopus, this southern blue-lined octopus washed into a rock pool at Scarborough’s Queens Beach and according to marine biologists at the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, it’s not uncommon to find them up this way.

It is a tiny creature sometimes found lurking in rockpools and its bright colours serve as warning to look before you step.

While out for a walk on Thursday, Redcliffe Heraldreader Darryl Sheppard spotted the vivid mollusc hanging out in a rock pool.

media_camera Blue-lined octopus found at Scarborough from Redcliffe Herald reader Darryl Sheppard.

Queensland Museum marine environments curator Dr John Healy confirmed it was a southern blue-lined octopus and, like its blue-ringed cousin, was venomous.

“The one from Scarborough ... has blue lines on the mantle (bag-shaped part of an octopus) and rings only on the arms,” Dr Healy said.

He said they were “very shy creatures” and were “really quite hesitant” to use their venom.

While blue-ringed octopuses are commonly found in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, the blue-lined octopus makes a home at Redcliffe.

“Redcliffe is probably perfect for them as the rock there seems to be soft and forms lots of holes and the area is fairly protected from the worst weather.”

While they’re nice to look at, Dr Healy warned look, don’t touch.

“Parents should be wary of them and don’t let anyone, especially children, handle them. They are very cute animals and the best way to enjoy them if you see them is to just look.”

BEEN BITTEN?

■ The blue-lined octopus injects venom into its victim through its beak, which can cause respiratory failure and in some cases, death

■ Its sting is often painless, according to Queensland Health

■ If a sting or bite is suspected, phone triple-0 immediately and apply a pressure bandage and splint the area