Marbled Sea Snake
Aipysurus eydouxii
A small sea snake with reduced fangs and greatly diminished venom, specialized for feeding on fish eggs rather than active prey, making it functionally harmless to humans.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.7 m (1.6-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of Southeast Asia and northern Australia
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Overview
The marbled sea snake, Aipysurus eydouxii, is notable among sea snakes for its dietary specialization on fish eggs, which has led to an evolutionary reduction in both fang size and venom potency compared to its fish-eating relatives.
Because its venom apparatus is greatly reduced, this species is generally considered of little to no medical significance to humans, one of the few sea snakes described this way.
How to identify it
- Small, moderately stout body
- Grayish to brownish coloration with irregular darker mottled or marbled blotches
- Small head with notably reduced fangs compared to related species
- Paddle-shaped tail
- Adults typically under 0.7 m
Habitat & range
Found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and muddy or sandy bottoms across Southeast Asia, extending to northern Australian waters.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Feeds almost exclusively on fish eggs, an unusual specialization among sea snakes that has driven the reduction of its venom glands and fangs over evolutionary time. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Is the marbled sea snake dangerous?
No, its venom and fangs are greatly reduced due to its specialized egg-eating diet, making it of little medical concern to humans.
What does the marbled sea snake eat?
It feeds almost exclusively on fish eggs, unlike most sea snakes which hunt live fish.
Where is it found?
In shallow coastal waters of Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
Why are its fangs so small?
Because it feeds on stationary fish eggs rather than active prey, it has evolutionarily lost the need for large fangs and potent venom.
Marbled Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Marbled Sea Snake.
