Striped Sea Snake
Hydrophis fasciatus
A banded sea snake found in muddy coastal and estuarine waters across the Indo-Pacific, notable for its bold dark crossbands.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters from the Bay of Bengal to Southeast Asia and southern China
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The striped sea snake, despite its common name, is more accurately described as strongly banded rather than longitudinally striped. It occupies shallow coastal waters across a broad swath of the Indo-Pacific, from the Bay of Bengal through South and Southeast Asia.
It is regularly caught as bycatch in shrimp trawl fisheries in parts of its range, which has provided much of what is known about its biology.
How to identify it
- Yellowish to pale gray body with broad, dark bluish-black crossbands
- Bands are wider on the back and taper toward the belly
- Small head not distinct from neck
- Compressed, paddle-like tail
- Distinguished from banded sea kraits by lack of enlarged ventral scales and fully aquatic lifestyle
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, river mouths, and muddy or sandy substrates near shore. Common in estuaries and mangrove-fringed coastlines throughout its Indo-Pacific range, from the Bay of Bengal to China and Southeast Asia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active swimmer that hunts small fish, particularly eels and gobies, in soft-bottom habitats. Fully aquatic and gives birth to live young at sea. Generally not aggressive, tending to avoid contact with divers or fishers when possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the striped sea snake venomous?
Yes, it possesses potent venom typical of sea snakes, though it is generally non-aggressive.
Where is it commonly found?
In shallow coastal and estuarine waters from the Bay of Bengal across South and Southeast Asia to southern China.
Why is it called 'striped' if it has bands?
The common name is a historical holdover; the pattern actually consists of broad dark crossbands rather than lengthwise stripes.
What does it eat?
Primarily small fish, especially eels and goby-like species found on muddy or sandy seabeds.
Striped Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Striped Sea Snake.
