Jerdon's Sea Snake
Kerilia jerdonii
A small, lesser-known sea snake found in the coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia, distinguished by its small size and relatively uniform coloration.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia, including the Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Thailand
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Overview
Jerdon's sea snake is a small and comparatively poorly known marine elapid found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including the Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Thailand. It is the only species in its genus, Kerilia.
It is venomous like other sea snakes, using its bite to subdue small fish, but it is rarely encountered by people and is not considered a significant hazard.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body
- Pale gray to yellowish-brown coloration, often with faint, indistinct darker markings
- Small head, not much wider than the neck
- Paddle-shaped tail
- Adults typically under 0.8 m
Habitat & range
Found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries across parts of the Indian subcontinent's coasts, the Bay of Bengal, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Little is documented in detail, but like related sea snakes it likely forages for small fish along soft coastal bottoms. Reproduction is presumed to be ovoviviparous, as in other members of this snake family.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerdon's sea snake well known?
No, it is a comparatively poorly studied species restricted to certain coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia.
Is it venomous?
Yes, though it is rarely encountered by humans and not considered a significant hazard.
Where is it found?
In coastal waters of the Indian subcontinent, the Bay of Bengal, and the Gulf of Thailand.
How big does it get?
It is a small sea snake, with adults typically under 0.8 meters.
Jerdon's Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Jerdon's Sea Snake.
