Sea snake

Pelamis platura, Costa Rica

Laticauda colubrina (Wakatobi)

Banded Sea Snake-jonhanson

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Aipysurus laevis

Hydrophis cyanocinctus lores

Sea snakes, belonging to the subfamily Hydrophiinae, are a group of elapid snakes that have adapted to a fully aquatic life. They are found in warm coastal waters from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. With their paddle-like tails and laterally compressed bodies, sea snakes are highly efficient swimmers. Despite their venomous nature, they are known for their generally docile demeanor towards humans.

Characteristics

Sea snakes possess a variety of adaptations to their aquatic lifestyle. Their bodies are streamlined for swimming, with scales that are smooth and allow for easy movement through water. Unlike their terrestrial relatives, sea snakes can absorb oxygen through their skin, a trait particularly useful during prolonged dives. They have specialized glands to expel salt ingested with their prey, which is primarily fish and eel.

Venom

The venom of sea snakes is highly potent, designed to immobilize prey quickly. It contains neurotoxins and myotoxins, which can cause paralysis and muscle damage, respectively. However, incidents of sea snakes biting humans are rare, and they are considered less of a threat compared to land snakes.

Reproduction

Sea snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. This reproductive strategy is advantageous in their aquatic environment, eliminating the need to return to land to lay eggs. Females can give birth to up to 10 young, which are fully independent from birth.

Conservation

While some species of sea snakes are abundant, others face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets. The conservation status of many species is poorly understood, highlighting the need for further research and conservation efforts.

Species

There are approximately 70 species of sea snakes, divided into two main groups: the true sea snakes (Hydrophiinae) and the sea kraits (Laticaudinae). Sea kraits differ from true sea snakes in that they have partially adapted to life on land, where they lay their eggs and digest prey.

Interaction with Humans

Despite their venomous nature, sea snakes rarely pose a threat to humans. They are generally non-aggressive and will only bite in self-defense if handled or provoked. Fishermen in regions where sea snakes are common often encounter them but bites are uncommon.