Chinese Sea Snake
Hydrophis cyanocinctus
One of the larger and more widely distributed true sea snakes, recognizable by its bold black and yellow-green banding, ranging across coastal Asian waters.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-2.0 m (4-6.5 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of East and Southeast Asia, from the Persian Gulf to China and Japan
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Overview
The Chinese sea snake, also known as the annulated sea snake, is a large and widely distributed marine elapid found along coastlines from the Persian Gulf to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It is among the more commonly encountered sea snakes in Chinese and Vietnamese coastal fisheries, contributing to its relative familiarity among sea snake species.
It is a member of the Hydrophis clade of marine elapids, all descended from Australian terrestrial elapid ancestors, and displays the characteristic paddle tail and fully aquatic lifestyle of the group.
How to identify it
- Large, robust sea snake with a relatively small head compared to body girth
- Bold black bands alternating with yellow, olive, or greenish-white bands along the entire body
- Bands typically extend fully around the body, forming complete rings
- Body scales are smooth and closely overlapping
- Laterally compressed, paddle-like tail for swimming
- Adults commonly reach 1.2-2.0 m, among the larger sea snake species
Habitat & range
Found in coastal and estuarine waters, often near river mouths, over soft sediment where it can forage for eel-like fish. Distribution spans from the Persian Gulf through South and Southeast Asia to the coasts of China, Korea, and Japan. Can also be found offshore near the surface of open water during migration or foraging.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Feeds primarily on eels and other elongated fish, which it hunts by probing burrows and crevices in the seabed. Activity is both diurnal and nocturnal. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young in the water, with litter sizes that can be relatively large among sea snakes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chinese sea snake venomous?
Yes, it possesses potent neurotoxic venom, though it is generally not aggressive toward humans.
How big does the Chinese sea snake get?
It is one of the larger sea snake species, with adults reaching 1.2-2.0 m (4-6.5 ft).
Where is the Chinese sea snake found?
It ranges from the Persian Gulf across South and Southeast Asia to China, Korea, and Japan.
What does the Chinese sea snake eat?
It primarily preys on eels and other elongated fish found in burrows on the seabed.
Chinese Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Chinese Sea Snake.
