Olive Sea Snake
Aipysurus laevis
A common and highly venomous sea snake of Indo-Pacific coral reefs, known for its curious behavior toward divers and olive-brown coloration.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-2.0 m (3.3-6.6 ft)
- Range
- Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Australia
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Overview
The Olive Sea Snake is one of the most frequently encountered sea snakes on coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, especially around Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It is a fully marine species, rarely if ever coming onto land.
While venomous, it is generally considered docile toward divers and is known for its inquisitive rather than aggressive nature underwater.
How to identify it
- Uniform olive, grayish-brown, or purplish-brown coloration, sometimes with a paler underside
- Robust, muscular body compared to many other sea snakes
- Paddle-shaped, flattened tail for swimming
- Small head not sharply distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from banded sea snakes by its largely unpatterned, uniform coloration
Habitat & range
Found in coral reef environments, lagoons, and shallow coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, with particularly dense populations around the Great Barrier Reef and other Australian reef systems. Rarely strays far from reef habitat.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active both day and night, spending most of its life submerged and surfacing periodically to breathe. Feeds mainly on reef fish and fish eggs, foraging in crevices and coral structures. Reproduction is viviparous, with live young born at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Olive Sea Snake dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous, though it is generally considered non-aggressive and curious rather than threatening toward divers.
Where does it live?
It inhabits coral reefs and shallow coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, especially around Australia.
Can it survive on land?
No, it is fully marine and cannot move effectively on land.
What does it eat?
It feeds primarily on reef fish and fish eggs found among coral structures.
Olive Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Olive Sea Snake.
