Bighead Sea Snake
Hydrophis pacificus
A sea snake with a proportionally oversized head, found in coastal waters of northern Australia and the Arafura Sea.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1-1.4 m (3.3-4.6 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of northern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Arafura Sea
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Overview
The bighead sea snake is named for its notably enlarged head relative to its neck and body, a trait shared with a small number of related Hydrophis species. This adaptation likely allows it to tackle larger or more robust prey items than smaller-headed relatives.
It is found across a broad coastal range from northern Australia and southern New Guinea into the Arafura Sea, typically in shallow shelf waters rather than deep offshore habitats.
How to identify it
- Large, bulbous head clearly wider than the slender neck
- Pale body with dark crossbands or blotches
- Muscular body tapering to a paddle-shaped tail
- Smooth scales typical of sea snakes
- Head-to-neck disproportion is the primary identifying feature
Habitat & range
Occupies shallow coastal and continental shelf waters across northern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Arafura Sea, often over sandy or muddy bottoms.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Feeds on fish, with its enlarged head potentially enabling it to handle bulkier prey than related species. Fully aquatic and live-bearing, giving birth to young in coastal waters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bighead sea snake dangerous?
It is venomous, though it is not aggressive and rarely poses a threat to humans.
Where is it found?
In coastal waters of northern Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Arafura Sea.
What is distinctive about it?
Its notably large head, disproportionate to its slender neck and body.
What does it eat?
Fish, potentially including bulkier prey suited to its enlarged head.
Bighead Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bighead Sea Snake.
