Sea Snakes.

The family of sea snakes (Hydropiidae) shows the same characteristics as that of the coral snakes, with some additions that are adaptations to their environment.
The tail is flat, shaped as an oar; the body, in particular the rear part, is often a bit flat. Scales are showing a tendency towards conformity; the specialised inhabitants of the sea lack the broad belly scales that are so characteristic for the land snakes.
The whole body is covered with scales of the same shape. The external nose openings on the topside of the head can be closed by a lid. Sea snakes have glands to get rid of the salt. The family Hydropiidae of the snakes counts about 50 species and can be found in shallow sea areas and river mouths along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Most snakes are viviparous.

Are often found near beaches. The females lay their eggs there, on or just under the surface of the sand.
The Laticauda laticaudata has a remarkable pattern, black and light zones, bright blue on the back, yellowish white on the belly. Occasional the pattern is asymatric.
With flat tails the poisonous teeth in the upper jaw are up front.
The food, consisting mainly of eel like fish, is only taken in water.

Length to 110 cm.
inhabit a smaller area. Both species are found together on beaches, amongst others at some coral islands near New Caledonia.
Flat tails and most other sea snakes are, both on land as in the water, are normally peaceful animals that very rarely try to bite, unless being provoked.
However, they are to be handled very careful, to avoid a bite, for their venom is very strong and can be deadly.

Length to 150 cm.
of the Rioe-Koei-islands, only the young have a pattern that is fairly rich in contrast; the dark rings become wider on the back and just leave a small space in between.
Older animals loose this pattern and are becoming almost totally dirty yellowish brown.

With this species the upper jaw is placed so far to the rear that the palatal bone protrudes.
The poisoned teeth are placed behind the front palatal teeth.
The to a life in the ocean adapted sea snakes are all about of the same shape. The belly scales are reduced and are as big as the scales on the rest of the body. The body is a bit flat.
Hydrophiinae are viviparous. The mostly two to six completely developed young are at birth nearly half the size of the mother.
Hydrophis spiralis is one oth the largest species; it has a length to 275 cm. The dark rings often disappear with elder animals, so they become egally yellowish green.

Length to 210 cm.
Is found from the coasts of the Arabian gulf to Japan and New Guinea, especially at the mouths of bigger rivers. There it huns for its prey fish in the brakkish water. The venom is very efficient. Hydrophis cyanocinctus is completely adapted to a life at sea, it never leaves the water. the body is a bit flat and the tail is shaped like a fin to improve propulsion. It can stay under water for 2 hours. The nostrils are directed upward and can be closed by lids. The muscles of the body are degenerated and if the animal is thrown on the beach, it is helpless.
The relativeHydrophis semperi, length to 80 cm is the only species that is found in fresh water.
It only lives in the Taal lake on the Philippines.
Other Hydrophiinae don't avoid brakkish and sea water, they can swim up for miles to hunt for food, but always return to the ocean.

Length to 100 cm.
Variable colours, most individuals are black on the upper side and yellowish on the under side, separated distincly on the sides. This sea snake flotes on the surface with a bit hanging head and tail. This way they hunt for little fish. When disturbed it dives to a safe depth, to surface again within 1 hour to breathe again.
Its habitat are the tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

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Made one 4-3-2002 by Irene