Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Range

The likelihood of this organism to be mistaken for another is very low, because of its distinct features. As the name suggests, it has a peculiar bright yellow belly and a brown hind. It grows up to 110cm. They are usually found in tropical waters. The females are mostly larger than the males. It lives out its entire life at sea. Its tail is padded shaped, quite adapted to swimming. It has a yellow, dark-blue and blue pattern. It is the most universally dispersed sea snake species.

Habitats

Usually found in warm waters, hey are mostly carnivorous, feeding on unlucky fishes that fall prey to their motionless stance in water. Highly venomous, it immediately immobilizes and is harmful to fish. They are however quite reluctant to bite in water. They are prone to numerous parasitic worms. Studies have shown that they do not have good eyesight, thus, they have to rely on a small tactile sensory organ situated in their mouth to find fish. Reproduction typically takes place in the water, close to the surface. The males become sexually mature at 50cm while the females attain sexual maturity at about 60cm.

Identification

The likelihood of this organism to be mistaken for another is very low, because of its distinct features. As the name suggests, it has a peculiar bright yellow belly and a brown hind. It grows up to 110cm. They are usually found in tropical waters. The females are mostly larger than the males. It lives out its entire life at sea. Its tail is padded shaped, quite adapted to swimming. It has a yellow, dark-blue and blue pattern. It is the most universally dispersed sea snake species.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians