Blue-Lipped Sea Krait
Laticauda laticaudata
A banded, amphibious sea krait that hunts in coral reefs but returns to land to rest, digest, and lay eggs.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.8-1.4 m (2.6-4.6 ft)
- Range
- Indo-Pacific coral reefs and coastlines
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Overview
The Blue-Lipped Sea Krait is one of the most widely distributed sea kraits, ranging across the tropical Indo-Pacific. Unlike fully marine sea snakes, it retains broad ventral scales and regularly comes ashore, making it semi-terrestrial in habit.
It is known for its highly potent venom, though it is generally docile and rarely bites unless provoked or disturbed.
How to identify it
- Bluish-gray body with bold black bands encircling the body
- Distinctive pale bluish lips and snout, giving rise to the common name
- Paddle-shaped, flattened tail for swimming
- Small head barely distinct from the neck
- Distinguished from fully aquatic sea snakes by its ability to move on land and by broad ventral scales
Habitat & range
Found in coral reefs, rocky coastlines, and adjacent sandy beaches or forested islets throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages in water for eels, its primary prey, then returns to land to digest, rest, and shed skin. Generally nocturnal or crepuscular when hunting. Lays eggs on land, unlike most other sea snakes which give live birth at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blue-Lipped Sea Krait dangerous?
It possesses highly potent venom, but it is docile and bites are rare.
Why does it come onto land?
To rest, digest food, shed its skin, and lay eggs, unlike fully marine sea snakes.
What does the Blue-Lipped Sea Krait eat?
Primarily eels hunted among coral reefs.
Where does the Blue-Lipped Sea Krait live?
Coral reefs and coastlines throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Blue-Lipped Sea Krait guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Blue-Lipped Sea Krait.
