Sea Snakes (Family Elapidae, Subfamily Hydrophiinae): South-east Queensland
These snakes are related to the land elapids. Their paddle-shaped tails and laterally compressed bodies are superb adaptations to life in the sea. Sea snakes, like all reptiles, are air-breathers and must surface regularly. The nostrils, positioned on top of the snout, are sealed by valve-like flaps when diving. Most sea snakes eat fish or their eggs. All are front-fanged and venomous.
Of the 34 known Australian species, 11 have been recorded from Moreton Bay. Arranged here in alphabetical order by scientific name.
|
Image |
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Bite |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acalyptophis peronii | potentially dangerous | ||
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| Aipysurus eydouxii | weakly venomous | ||
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| Aipysurus laevis | potentially fatal | ||
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| Astrotia stokesii | potentially fatal | ||
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| Disteira kingii | potentially dangerous | ||
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| Disteira major | potentially fatal | ||
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| Emydocephalus annulatus | weakly venomous | ||
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| Enhydrina schistosa | potentially fatal | ||
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| Hydrophis elegans | potentially fatal | ||
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| Hydrophis mcdowelli | potentially dangerous | ||
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| Pelamis platurus | potentially fatal | ||
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