Beachgoers warned after blue-ringed octopus bites reported at Sydney beach
Visitors to a popular beach on Sydney's North Shore have been warned to watch out for blue-ringed octopuses after several bites were reported.
Mosman Council said multiple bites had been reported at Balmoral Beach over the last week.
The blue-ringed octopus is one of the most venomous animals in the world.
READ MORE: British IT worker calls out 'unfair' Australian workplace law
Blue-ringed octopus bites have been reported at Balmoral Beach. Shutterstock
If bitten, the venom can cause paralysis and stop breathing.
Anyone bitten is advised to seek medical assistance immediately.
"Council was notified by Royal North Shore Hospital that several cases had occurred, to allow Council to provide information to the community to raise awareness about taking care in these areas," a spokesperson for Mosman Council said.
Do you know more? Email josh.hohne@nine.com.au
The local health district could not confirm any specific incidents and bites do occur in the area from time to time.
READ MORE: The way you shop is getting a complete overhaul
A southern blue-ringed octopus in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Julian Finn, Museums Victoria
Blue-ringed octopuses live in tidal pools and reefs around Australia.
The blue colour only becomes easily visible when they are threatened, so by the time a person recognises the creature as a blue-ringed octopus, it may be too late.
Most of the time, they just look like regular brown octopuses.
They grow to a maximum size of 20 centimetres outstretched and weigh about 100 grams.
Symptoms from a blue-ringed octopus bite include a painless mark with a spot of blood visible; numbness around the mouth, lips and tongue; muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
