Snake Identifier
Sea snakes

Dubois's Sea Snake

Aipysurus duboisii

A reef-dwelling sea snake of northern Australian waters known for its uniform coloration.

Adult length
0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
Range
Coral reefs of northern Australia and the Coral Sea

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Overview

Dubois's Sea Snake is a fully marine species found on coral reefs around northern Australia and nearby areas of the Coral Sea. It is a member of the olive sea snake group, sharing a generally uniform body coloration.

Encounters with humans are uncommon.

How to identify it

  • Uniformly olive, brownish, or grayish body, sometimes with faint darker markings toward the tail
  • Paddle-shaped tail adapted for swimming
  • Small head not markedly distinct from the neck
  • Nostrils on top of the snout with valves for underwater life
  • Distinguished from banded sea snakes by its largely unmarked, uniform coloration

Habitat & range

Found on coral reefs and adjacent sandy or rubble areas around northern Australia and parts of the Coral Sea, typically in relatively shallow reef waters.

Behavior, diet & reproduction

Fully aquatic, foraging over reef substrate for small fish and invertebrates. Gives birth to live young at sea. Generally retreats from divers.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dubois's Sea Snake found?

On coral reefs around northern Australia and the Coral Sea.

What does Dubois's Sea Snake eat?

Small reef fish and invertebrates.