Elegant Sea Snake
Hydrophis elegans
A large, robust sea snake native to Australian waters, patterned with broad dark bands that fade with age, often found in reef and estuarine habitats.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2.3 m (5-7.5 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The elegant sea snake is a large, thick-bodied species endemic to the waters of northern and eastern Australia and parts of southern New Guinea. It is one of the more commonly encountered sea snakes in Australian coastal and reef habitats.
It possesses venom for subduing prey but is generally regarded as placid, rarely displaying defensive behavior toward divers or fishers.
How to identify it
- Large, robust body, one of the bigger Hydrophis species
- Juveniles boldly patterned with dark gray-green to blackish bands on a paler background, fading to a more uniform olive or grayish tone in older adults
- Small head relative to the thick body
- Paddle-shaped tail
- Smooth scales
- Adults commonly exceed 1.5 m, occasionally reaching over 2 m
Habitat & range
Found in coastal waters, coral reef flats, seagrass beds, and estuaries, generally in shallow depths. Range spans northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, extending into the Coral Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages both day and night for fish and occasionally invertebrates along reef and soft-bottom habitats. Generally docile, tending to retreat rather than display aggression. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Is the elegant sea snake dangerous?
It is venomous but considered docile, rarely acting aggressively toward humans.
Where is the elegant sea snake found?
In coastal and reef waters of northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Does its pattern change with age?
Yes, juveniles show bold banding that tends to fade to a more uniform color in adults.
How large does it get?
Adults commonly reach 1.5 to 2.3 meters.
Elegant Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Elegant Sea Snake.
