Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Sea Snake

Hydrophiinae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Sea snakes include many marine reptiles. This account describes the yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus), a surface-dwelling species of warm Pacific and Indian Ocean waters.

Hydrophis platurus (sea snake)

Yellow-bellied sea snake photographed on a beach in Costa Rica; its normal habitat is the open sea.

Aloaiza · CC BY

At a glance

Habitat
Open ocean
Diet
Piscivore
Food
Fish.

Classification

Common name
Sea Snake
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Hydrophiinae
Source classification
Reptilia

Three things to know

  • It can complete its life entirely at sea.
  • Its tail is flattened into a paddle.
  • Knotting movements help loosen shedding skin.

Habitat and range

Yellow-bellied sea snakes live in tropical parts of the Pacific and Indian oceans. They are especially associated with open water, where currents can concentrate them along surface slicks.

Appearance and adaptations

A dark back sharply contrasts with a yellow underside. The flattened, paddle-like tail is marked with dark spots or bars and helps propel the animal through water.

Diet and behaviour

Fish are taken near the surface. The species can complete its life at sea and gives birth to live young. Coiling and knotting movements help loosen old skin and remove attached organisms without needing a rough seabed.

Sources

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