Tiny but deadly visitor on Bunbury beach

Believe it or not, one of the deadliest animals in the sea happens to exist here in the South West - and it is the size of a 10c piece.

Found in rocky pools and reefs close to shore, the animal everyone should become more aware about is the blue-ringed octopus.

Although they are more common in tidal pools and coral reefs around southern NSW, South Australia, and northern WA, a number of these little creatures have recently been found locally in cray pots, small shells and even in discarded beer bottles and cans.

Only last week a local from Bunbury was snorkelling near Hastie Beach when she found a shell she wanted to take home as a souvenir.

Unaware of the dangerous little octopus hiding inside, she slipped it under her bathers and continued to snorkel, only realising something was wrong after exiting the water when she discovered a small red bite mark on her thigh similar to a mozzie bite.

Not too concerned at that point she placed the shell in to her drink bottle and drove home not realising that she had been bitten by a potentially lethal marine animal.

It wasn't until she got home that she eventually noticed the tiny octopus emerging from the shell and showed her family.

They immediately became suspicious after observing the bright blue rings all over its body and took her to the hospital where she was kept under observation for the rest of the day.

Fortunately her condition remained stable suggesting the amount of toxin that was injected into her skin from the bite was minimal and she was able to go home without incident.

The severity of the bite and the amount of toxin injected into the victim generally determines the level of response with the worst case scenarios resulting in death.

The onset of the symptoms can be quite rapid with the victim experiencing paraesthesia (pins and needles) and numbness, progressive muscular weakness and difficulty breathing and swallowing within a few minutes.

Nausea and vomiting, difficulty speaking and confusion may also occur and in severe cases, this is followed by flaccid paralysis and respiratory failure.

The good news is that the blue-ringed octopus is a relatively docile creature and will not attack you unless provoked or handled.

Therefore, if you are cautious when in and around shallow rock pools, avoid collecting and storing shells in pockets and wear gloves when you are crabbing and craypot fishing you should remain safe from its bite.

Although it is very small, it is easily identifiable by its size, the characteristic blue and black rings, and by its yellowish skin so always be on the lookout and never pick it up with your bare hands.

If you do think you've been bitten, seek immediate medical aid.