Brown-Lined Sea Snake
Hydrophis torquatus
A slender sea snake with fine brown longitudinal striping over a pale body, native to shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand region.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The brown-lined sea snake is a marine elapid found in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia. It is named for the subtle brown lining or striping pattern that runs along portions of its body.
Like other members of the Hydrophis genus, it is a fully aquatic snake, spending its entire life at sea and relying on a paddle-shaped tail for locomotion and venom for capturing small prey.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body with pale grey or tan background color
- Fine brown lines or striping running along the length of the body, sometimes interspersed with faint banding
- Small, narrow head not markedly distinct from the neck
- Smooth, overlapping body scales
- Laterally flattened, oar-like tail for swimming
- Adults typically reach 0.6-1.0 m in length
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters over soft substrates, commonly within the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding Southeast Asian coastal areas. Often found near river mouths and estuaries where prey fish are abundant.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages for small fish along the seabed and in the water column, using both visual and chemical cues. Active during both day and night. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born in coastal waters in modest litter sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the brown-lined sea snake venomous?
Yes, it has neurotoxic venom used to subdue small fish prey.
Where is the brown-lined sea snake found?
It occurs in coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand and nearby parts of Southeast Asia.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft) in length.
What gives the brown-lined sea snake its name?
Fine brown lines or striping along its body distinguish it from related banded species.
Brown-Lined Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Brown-Lined Sea Snake.
