Collared Sea Snake
Hydrophis stricticollis
A patterned sea snake with a distinctive dark collar marking behind the head, found in coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal and northern Indian Ocean.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of the northern Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The collared sea snake is a fully marine elapid found in coastal waters of the northern Indian Ocean, particularly the Bay of Bengal. Its common name refers to a dark band or collar marking near the neck that distinguishes it from related species.
As with other true sea snakes, it spends its entire life cycle in the ocean, using a paddle-shaped tail for swimming and possessing venom adapted for subduing small fish prey rather than for defense against large animals.
How to identify it
- Small to moderate body size with a relatively slender build
- Pale background color with dark crossbands or blotches, often with a distinct darker collar-like band just behind the head
- Smooth body scales in regular overlapping rows
- Head narrow and only slightly distinct from the neck
- Laterally flattened tail adapted for swimming
- Adults typically reach 0.6-0.9 m in length
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries over soft muddy or sandy substrates in the Bay of Bengal and adjacent parts of the northern Indian Ocean, including waters off eastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Often found near river mouths where small fish prey is abundant.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages over soft-bottomed substrate, probing for small fish and eel-like prey. Primarily active in low-visibility coastal water where chemosensory cues aid foraging. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, producing small litters of live young at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Is the collared sea snake venomous?
Yes, it produces venom used to subdue small fish prey, though it is not aggressive toward humans.
Where is the collared sea snake found?
It occurs in coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal and the northern Indian Ocean.
Why is it called the collared sea snake?
It has a distinctive dark band resembling a collar just behind the head.
How big does the collared sea snake get?
Adults typically reach 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft) in length.
Collared Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Collared Sea Snake.
