Brooke's Sea Snake
Hydrophis brookii
A sea snake named for the historic 'White Rajahs' of Sarawak, found in coastal waters around Borneo and neighboring Southeast Asian regions.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of Borneo and Southeast Asia
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Overview
Brooke's sea snake is named in honor of the Brooke dynasty, the British rajahs who ruled Sarawak on Borneo during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the species' original description from that region. It occupies coastal Southeast Asian waters.
It remains a relatively poorly known species, with much of its biology inferred from general patterns observed in related Hydrophis sea snakes.
How to identify it
- Body with alternating dark and pale bands or blotches
- Small head not clearly distinct from the neck
- Smooth scales and laterally flattened tail
- Moderate body thickness typical of coastal Hydrophis species
- Best distinguished from similar species by locality and subtle scale characteristics
Habitat & range
Found in shallow coastal waters around Borneo and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia, generally over soft sediment or nearshore reef habitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Presumed to feed on small fish, consistent with related Hydrophis species, hunting along the seafloor. Fully aquatic and live-bearing. Little specific behavioral data has been documented, but it likely follows patterns typical of its genus.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brooke's sea snake dangerous?
It is venomous, though as with most sea snakes it avoids humans and bites are rare.
Where does it live?
In coastal waters around Borneo and nearby Southeast Asian regions.
Who is it named after?
The Brooke family, the 'White Rajahs' who governed Sarawak on Borneo.
What does it eat?
Likely small fish, consistent with the diet of related Hydrophis sea snakes.
Brooke's Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Brooke's Sea Snake.
