Grey's Mudsnake

Grey's mudsnake is a small, secretive sea snake adapted to muddy intertidal and mangrove habitats along the coast of north-western Australia. It is the only species in the genus Ephalophis and is considered one of the more primitive sea snakes.

It is infrequently documented and much of its natural history remains poorly studied compared to more conspicuous reef-dwelling sea snakes.

• Small, slender body with grayish or olive-brown coloration
• Faint banding that may be obscured by mud-colored tones
• Small head not distinct from the neck
• Retains enlarged ventral (belly) scales, a primitive trait aiding movement on soft mud
• Enlarged ventral scales help distinguish it from typical fully aquatic Hydrophis species

Occupies muddy mangrove mudflats, tidal creeks, and soft-bottomed shallow waters along the north-western Australian coast, favoring turbid, sediment-rich intertidal zones over clear reef habitats.

Forages across mangrove mudflats at low tide, probing crab burrows and soft mud for small gobies and other burrow-dwelling fish. Live-bearing, giving birth to young in coastal waters, and likely relies heavily on chemical and tactile senses given the low visibility of its habitat.