Dwarf Sea Snake
Hydrophis parviceps
A tiny, slender sea snake with an unusually small head, found in muddy coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The dwarf sea snake is one of the smallest members of the true sea snake group, rarely exceeding half a meter in length. It is a poorly documented species known mainly from a handful of localities in the Gulf of Thailand.
Its diminutive size and secretive habits mean encounters with humans are rare, and much of its natural history remains under-studied compared to more common sea snakes.
How to identify it
- Very small, slender body with a notably small, narrow head
- Pale grayish or olive body with faint darker crossbands
- Smooth, overlapping scales typical of true sea snakes
- Laterally flattened, paddle-shaped tail for swimming
- Distinguished from other small Hydrophis by head proportions and banding pattern
Habitat & range
Found in shallow, muddy coastal waters and estuarine zones. Appears to favor soft-bottomed habitats near river mouths rather than coral reefs. Range is restricted to parts of the Gulf of Thailand and nearby Southeast Asian coasts.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fully aquatic and rarely if ever comes ashore. Believed to feed on small eel-like fish or fish eggs, hunting by probing mud and burrows with its small head. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born at sea, consistent with other Hydrophis species.
Frequently asked questions
Is the dwarf sea snake dangerous?
It is venomous like all true sea snakes, but its tiny size and reclusive habits make encounters with people extremely uncommon.
Where does it live?
It inhabits shallow, muddy coastal waters in the Gulf of Thailand region.
How big does it get?
It is one of the smallest sea snakes, typically under 60 cm long.
What does it eat?
It is thought to prey on small fish, likely eels or gobies found in muddy substrates.
Dwarf Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Dwarf Sea Snake.
