A highly specialized marine reptile found predominantly in the warm coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its paddle-like tail and flattened, ribbon-like body are evolutionary adaptations that enable it to navigate the open ocean, both forwards and backward easily. These adaptations are so effective for aquatic life that the yellow-bellied sea snake has lost its ability to move efficiently on land and thus spends its entire life at sea.
This sea snake’s unique coloration, with its dark, often black, dorsum and bright yellow or cream-colored ventral side, warns potential predators about its venomous nature. While not typically aggressive, the yellow-bellied sea snake is equipped with potent venom that it uses to subdue its prey, primarily small fish and fish eggs.
Predators of the yellow-bellied sea snake are few, but they may include sharks and large species of fish. However, these potential predators often avoid the snake, possibly due to its unpleasant taste or the venomous threat it poses. Seabirds have also been observed capturing these snakes, only to release them quickly—another indication that their aposematic coloration is an effective deterrent.
Despite their venomous capability, yellow-bellied sea snakes are not considered a significant threat to humans, primarily because encounters are infrequent. These snakes are pelagic, meaning they live in the open sea, and are only occasionally washed ashore during storms or when ill.
Distribution
American Samoa
Australia
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Cambodia
China
Christmas Island
Cocos Is. (Keeling)
Colombia
Costa Rica
Djibouti
Ecuador
El Salvador
Eritrea
Fiji
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea
Kuwait
Madagascar
Malaysia
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nauru
New Caledonia
Niue
North Korea
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Pitcairn
Qatar
Réunion
Samoa
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu
UAE
United States
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wallis & Futuna
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
