For those of us who remember a different era in Sydney, news of the natural world often brings a mix of nostalgia and concern. However, recent Inner West Council reports carry a unique blend of caution and optimism.
Something quite extraordinary has surfaced in the familiar waters of the Parramatta River, a waterway that holds many memories for long-time residents.
While a degree of vigilance is advised, the underlying reasons for this occurrence offer a hopeful glimpse into our changing environment.
The Inner West Council has issued a rare warning to residents after discovering a Blue-ringed Octopus at Callan Park, an area known as ‘one of the hidden gems of Sydney’s Inner West’.
While small, the blue-ringed octopus carries a potent neurotoxin that can be fatal to humans. The sighting of this creature, which has not been publicly recorded in the river system since the 1960s, is a significant indicator of the improving health of the waterway.
The Parramatta River Catchment Group’s records confirmed the rarity of this event, sparking both concern and scientific interest.
Council environmental officers regularly monitored the water quality and local wildlife to assess the river’s condition and were the first to spot the octopus.
A spokesperson for the Inner West Council said, ‘We’re kind of excited by it because it says the health of the river is pretty good.’
Despite the positive implications for the river’s biodiversity, the Council has emphasised the importance of safety.
‘There’s always the “look, don’t touch” element when it comes to blue-ringed octopuses,’ they added.
The blue-ringed octopus is known for its stunning appearance, but its beauty belies a dangerous reality. Its venom, tetrodotoxin, is incredibly potent—1,000 times more powerful than cyanide and capable of killing up to 26 adult humans.
The rare sighting also showed that the river’s biodiversity is rising following years of contamination.
‘[There are] seahorses that have been found at Cockatoo Island, and there’s a seal swimming around Ryde and Gladesville that’s apparently very popular with the locals,’ the spokesperson said.
The Council’s warning comes on the heels of a recent incident where a 43-year-old man experienced paralysis after a blue-ringed octopus latched onto his hand at Balmoral Beach in Mosman.
His harrowing experience, which led to hospitalisation and temporary paralysis, serves as a stark reminder of the octopus’s deadly potential.
‘I could hear everything. I could see everything. I could feel them touching me. I was just completely paralysed,’ he said.
Surf Life Saving New South Wales has advised that anyone bitten by a Blue-ringed Octopus should seek immediate medical attention by calling Triple-0 and applying a pressure bandage to the bite site.
In cases of breathing difficulties and paralysis, CPR may be necessary until professional help arrives.
Alison Miller, collection manager in malacology from the Australian Museum Research Institute, noted that the blue rings on their bodies pulsate when they feel threatened, warning potential predators and curious onlookers alike.
‘There have been reports of them swimming within the water column, but they are more often located on, in or near the bottom,’ she said.
‘Without basic life support, death from respiratory paralysis can occur within 30 mins. But —they are lovely and fascinating animals and they appear to happily coexist in coastal waters with high human populations with little incident. You leave them alone—all good.’
Have you ever encountered a Blue-ringed Octopus or another rare marine creature? Share your experiences with us in the comments below, and remember to always admire from a safe distance!
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Only in Darwin, in a large rockpool.