Hook-Nosed Sea Snake
Enhydrina schistosa
A highly venomous sea snake found in murky coastal and estuarine waters across the Indo-Pacific, notable for its distinctive hooked snout.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- 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 highly venomous species inhabiting coastal and estuarine waters across a broad swath of the Indo-Pacific. It is considered one of the more medically significant sea snakes due to its tendency 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
Is the Hook-Nosed Sea Snake dangerous?
Yes, it is highly venomous and considered one of the more medically significant sea snake species due to its coastal distribution near human activity.
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.
