Let’s now discover some of the most effective sea snake facts including sea snake diet, habitat, reproduction, and behavior. The sea snake belongs to the family of Elapidae and is also called Hydrophiinae. This is a group of highly venomous snakes that, for the most part of their life, spends life in water. These types of snakes cannot move on land despite the fact that they have appeared from the terrestrial ancestors. These reptiles are perfectly adaptable for leading their entire life under water. The sea snakes are known to reside in the Pacific as well as Indian Ocean. These snaked have paddle-like tails that gives them a look similar to that of eels. These animals lack gills which means that they must surface frequently to breathe. Of all the vertebrates, the sea snakes are the most wholly aquatic animals. There are certain species in this group that offers gentle dispositions and bite only when disturbed, while others are rather more aggressive.
Interesting Sea Snake Facts
- Mostly length of sea snakes measure around 120 – 150 cm (3.9 – 4.9 feet).
- The largest sea snake ever measured at 3 meters (9.8 feet) and is called Hydrophis spiralis.
- The eyes of sea snakes are comparatively smaller.
- There are 18 teeth on the maxilla.
- Due to their paddle-like tail, sea snakes are considered to be agile swimmers.
- The sea snakes respire via their skin which is rare for reptiles as their skins are thick and scaly. The sea snakes are known to satisfy almost 25% of their oxygen requirements in this way.
- The sea snakes are not aggressive species but there is a variation within species.
- The sea snakes that are regarded as highly aggressive include Aipysurus laevis, Enhydrina schistosa, and Astrotia stokesii.
- According to Ditmars, when the sea snakes are picked out to walk on land, they tend to walk on awkwardly and their movements seem to be uncomfortable.
- Unlike rattlesnakes, sea snakes apt to be active all throughout the day and night. However, when provoked, these snakes dive deep into the water at a depth of about 90 meters (300 feet). They remain submerged for about few hours which entirely depend on the extent of activity and temperature.
Where Do Sea Snakes Live | Sea Snake Facts
The sea snakes inhabit all throughout the temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean, with certain species exist into the Oceania. They have a relatively broader habitat range. These snakes are found in the east coast of Africa, western coast of United States including Peru, Gulf of California and Galapagos Islands. Some of these species are the inhabitants of Cape Town, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, San Clemente (America), cold waters of Namibia, Atlantic Ocean, eastern South Atlantic, western South Africa, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Red Sea. The sea snakes can be found in shallow waters adjacent to land or estuaries. These reptiles are known to swim as far as 160 km (99 miles) off the sea. Some of these species such as Pelamis platurus lives in the floating debris and drift lines while others prefer to make their habitats in brackish water and mangrove swamps.
What Do Sea Snakes Eat
The majority of sea snakes are known to prey on fish and eels. Some of the most common sea snake’s preys include prawns, molluscs, and crustaceans. There are certain sea snakes that preferably eat fish eggs which is not usual for venomous snakes.
Reproduction
These species are ovoviviparous species and the young are born alive in water. These young will spend their entire life in water.
Leave a Reply