From neon-green poison dart frogs to monarch butterflies, some of nature’s flashiest creatures have evolved vibrant ways of telling potential predators: “don’t mess with me.” Such is the case with this vividly colored blue-ringed octopus, filmed off the coast of Kiama, New South Wales, Australia.

When the cephalopods are agitated or threatened, iridescent blue rings flash across their entire bodies, an evolutionarily courteous warning to those who might see the octopus as their next meal. Or in the case of humans, attract curious onlookers. (Related: Watch Blue-Ringed Octopus Pounces on Unsuspecting Crab)

There are at least 10 species of blue-ringed octopuses, ranging from Japan to Australia. Smaller species like the