Erabu Sea Krait
Laticauda semifasciata
A banded amphibious sea krait from Japan's Ryukyu Islands, known for coming ashore to digest food, rest, and lay eggs, and long featured in local island culture.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Ryukyu Islands of Japan and adjacent western Pacific waters
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Overview
The Erabu sea krait is a well-known amphibious sea snake native to the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan, where it holds cultural significance and has long been part of local tradition. Unlike fully marine sea snakes, kraits regularly return to land.
It possesses venom used to subdue eel and fish prey, and while capable of a medically significant bite, it is generally docile and rarely bites unless disturbed.
How to identify it
- Bold pattern of broad bluish-gray to black bands alternating with pale gray or yellowish interspaces
- Cylindrical body, less flattened than fully pelagic sea snakes
- Paddle-shaped tail, but retains enlarged ventral scales allowing some movement on land
- Distinct, slightly flattened head
- Adults typically 1.0-1.5 m
Habitat & range
Found in coastal reef waters and rocky shorelines of the Ryukyu Islands and nearby parts of the western Pacific, coming ashore onto rocky islets and caves to rest, digest, and lay eggs.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages primarily on eels among reef crevices, spending time both in the water and on land. Unlike fully aquatic sea snakes, it is oviparous, laying eggs on land rather than bearing live young. Generally calm and slow-moving on land.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Erabu sea krait come onto land?
Yes, unlike most sea snakes it regularly comes ashore to rest, digest food, and lay eggs.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it has potent venom for subduing prey, though it is generally docile toward humans.
Where is it found?
In the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan and nearby western Pacific waters.
Does it lay eggs or give birth to live young?
It lays eggs on land, unlike fully marine sea snakes which give birth to live young at sea.
Erabu Sea Krait guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Erabu Sea Krait.
