Black-Banded Sea Snake
Hydrophis fasciatus
A slender sea snake marked with bold black bands along a pale body, found in muddy coastal waters and estuaries throughout South and Southeast Asia.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.8-1.3 m (2.6-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The black-banded sea snake is a marine elapid distributed across coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia, frequenting muddy estuarine habitats and river mouths. Its striking black-and-pale banded pattern makes it readily recognizable among regional sea snake species.
It belongs to the Hydrophis group of true sea snakes, all fully aquatic elapids that give birth to live young at sea and rarely, if ever, venture onto land.
How to identify it
- Slender to moderately stout body with pale grey, yellow, or olive base color
- Bold, well-defined black bands encircling the body at regular intervals
- Bands typically remain distinct along the entire body length, including toward the belly
- Smooth, overlapping body scales
- Head relatively small and narrow
- Laterally flattened tail used for swimming
- Adults typically reach 0.8-1.3 m
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths with muddy or sandy substrates. Widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including the coasts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Often found in brackish waters near mangrove systems.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages along the seabed for small fish and eels, often in areas of low visibility where chemosensory cues aid in prey detection. Activity occurs both day and night. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with females producing live young in coastal waters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black-banded sea snake venomous?
Yes, it has neurotoxic venom adapted for subduing fish prey.
Where is the black-banded sea snake found?
It occurs in coastal and estuarine waters across South and Southeast Asia.
How big does the black-banded sea snake get?
Adults typically reach 0.8-1.3 m (2.6-4.3 ft) in length.
What habitat does it prefer?
It favors muddy coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove-associated river mouths.
Black-Banded Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-Banded Sea Snake.
