Unlike most snakes, which are strictly land-dwellers, this species lives a double life, dividing its time between land and sea. It is a true amphibious reptile: it hunts and swims gracefully in the ocean but comes ashore to rest, shed its skin, and lay eggs. This unusual lifestyle makes it stand out not just among snakes in general but even within its sea snake relatives.

What makes the Black-banded Sea Krait so recognizable is its bold black-and-white bands running around its body, giving it a striking, zebra-like appearance. Its tail is flattened like a paddle, perfectly adapted for swimming, and it can glide through the water with surprising speed and grace. At the same time, its head is slender and shaped to slip into coral crevices where it hunts fish, particularly eels. This specialization has earned it the reputation of being a skilled predator of reef environments.

Divers often encounter them while exploring coral reefs, and the snakes usually continue their business without concern. Their venom is used mainly for quickly paralyzing slippery prey, allowing them to capture and swallow fish whole while underwater. The fact that they are not confrontational despite their power makes them one of the more approachable venomous snakes in the wild.

Unlike fully aquatic sea snakes, it must return to shore to digest its food and to breed. Sometimes, large groups of them can be found resting together on rocky beaches or hiding under vegetation. Their ability to cross between two worlds—land and ocean—has fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. In some island cultures, these snakes are also part of local stories and traditions, often seen as both mysterious and symbolic of the sea’s power.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

China

2009

Indonesia

2009

Japan

2009

Philippines

2009

Taiwan

2009