Hook-Nosed Sea Snake
Enhydrina schistosa
A sea snake found in murky coastal and estuarine waters across the Indo-Pacific, notable for its distinctive hooked snout.
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia and Australia
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Overview
The Hook-Nosed Sea Snake, also known as the Beaked Sea Snake, is a species inhabiting coastal and estuarine waters across a broad swath of the Indo-Pacific. It tends to occur in areas of human activity such as fishing grounds.
Its distinctively upturned, hooked snout distinguishes it from most other sea snake species.
How to identify it
- Grayish, olive, or yellowish-green body, often with faint darker crossbands, especially in juveniles
- Distinctive small, upturned, hook-shaped snout
- Compressed, paddle-like tail for swimming
- Small head not strongly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from other sea snakes primarily by the unique hooked snout shape
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, river mouths, and muddy or sandy substrates across the Indo-Pacific, from the Persian Gulf through South and Southeast Asia to northern Australia. Often found in areas with murky water and soft bottoms.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active both day and night, frequently found in areas overlapping with fishing activity due to its estuarine habitat preference. Feeds mainly on fish, particularly catfish and other bottom-dwelling species. Reproduction is viviparous, with live young born in the water.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify it?
Look for its distinctive small, upturned, hook-shaped snout and grayish-olive coloration with faint banding.
Where does it live?
It is found in coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths across the Indo-Pacific region.
What does it eat?
It primarily preys on fish, including catfish and other bottom-dwelling species.
Hook-Nosed Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Hook-Nosed Sea Snake.
