Yellow-bellied Sea Snake
Hydrophis platurus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Elapidae, Subfamily: Hydrophiinae, Genus: Hydrophis, Species: Hydrophis platurus
The most widely distributed snake in the world, found in tropical oceanic waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Persian Gulf to the western coasts of the Americas (Mexico to Ecuador).
Look up Yellow-bellied Sea Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Venomous (Proteroglyphous - fixed front fangs)
Danger Level
Extremely Dangerous; while they have a docile temperament and rarely bite humans unless handled, their venom is lethal and medical treatment with antivenom is critical.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Elapidae, Subfamily: Hydrophiinae, Genus: Hydrophis, Species: Hydrophis platurus
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). However, they are occasionally impacted by oceanic pollution and accidental bycatch in fishing nets.
Physical Description
Distinctive bicolored appearance; typically black or Dark brown on top with a bright yellow underside. The tail is paddle-like, flattened laterally, and spotted or barred with yellow and black patterns. They have small scales and a streamlined head.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length is 60–90 cm (24–35 inches), with a maximum recorded length of approximately 115 cm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Habitat
Pelagic (open ocean) environment. They are often found in drift lines of debris and kelp where they hunt. They are completely aquatic, unable to move effectively on land.
Behavior & Temperament
Placid and generally non-aggressive. They are diurnal and spend much of their time floating at the surface. They are helpless on land due to their lack of ventral scutes for crawling.
Diet & Feeding
Piscivorous (fish-eaters). They use an ambush strategy, floating like driftwood to attract small fish which they strike with a rapid lateral movement.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous; females give birth to live young at sea. Litter sizes range from 2 to 6 young. There is no parental care after birth.
Venom Profile
Highly potent neurotoxins and myotoxins which cause paralysis and muscle breakdown.
Look-alikes
Other sea snakes of the Hydrophis genus, though its distinct yellow-and-black bicolored body and spotted paddle-tail are unique identifiers. Occasionally confused with eels.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List). However, they are occasionally impacted by oceanic pollution and accidental bycatch in fishing nets.
Cultural Significance
Significant in marine ecology as a top predator in surface drift lines. Often featured in seafaring lore as a sign of tropical currents.
Notable Features
Features a unique salt gland under the tongue to excrete excess salt from seawater. It can also absorb up to 33% of its oxygen requirement through its skin while diving.