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Blue-ringed octopus numbers on the rise in suburban lake

Residents are on edge in an Adelaide suburb after several deadly blue-ringed octopus sightings in the area.

The deadly octopus was caught by fishers, but not in the ocean. The hidden danger was found lurking in West Lakes just metres from waterfront homes.

One expert says the creatures are more common in the waterway than many people realise and numbers are up.

"I think it would alarm anyone finding blue-ringed octopus, whichever lake it was in," one local told 7 News.

A blue-ringed octopus was found lurking in West Lakes. Source: 7 News
A blue-ringed octopus was found lurking in West Lakes. Source: 7 News

Mike Gemmell from SA Museum told 7News: "Anybody that does pick up a can or a bottle in West Lakes, there's a good chance that there'll be a blue-ringed octopus that's actually taken up residence inside it."

Some residents are calling for better education along the water's edge.Source: 7 News
Some residents are calling for better education along the water's edge.Source: 7 News

Mr Gemmell says the museum has even sourced its blue-ringed specimens from the lake.

"'Cause we knew that that's where we were likely to find them without too much problem," Mr Gemmell explained.

An expert says the toxic marine creatures are more common in West Lakes than most people realise. Source: 7 News
An expert says the toxic marine creatures are more common in West Lakes than most people realise. Source: 7 News

A single bite from the highly toxic marine creature is enough to paralyse a human within minutes and even lead to death, prompting some residents to call for better education along the water's edge.

A warning was issued last month after young Noah Soubrier was almost bitten at Somerton Beach.

Mr Gemmell said: "We haven't had the winds and storms that we have in previous years, so numbers are likely to have built up."

If you do encounter a blue-ringed octopus - don't pick it up or touch it. And if you are bitten seek urgent medical attention.