Horned Sea Snake
Hydrophis peronii
A distinctive sea snake covered in small spiny scale projections, especially around the head, giving it a rough, thorny appearance unique among sea snakes.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.1 m (2.3-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Tropical waters of northern Australia and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The horned sea snake is instantly recognizable among marine elapids for its unusually rough, spiky scalation, with small conical projections covering the head and much of the body. It inhabits warm shallow waters of northern Australia and nearby Southeast Asian seas.
It possesses venom typical of sea snakes, used for subduing prey, though encounters with humans are infrequent given its offshore, bottom-associated habits.
How to identify it
- Body and head covered in small spine-like scale tubercles, most pronounced on males
- Pale gray to yellowish base color with irregular dark blotches or bands
- Thick, muscular body with a paddle-shaped tail
- Small head with round pupils
- Rough, granular texture unlike the smooth scales of most other sea snakes
- Adults typically 0.7-1.1 m
Habitat & range
Found in shallow, turbid coastal waters, over sandy and muddy bottoms, often near river mouths and estuaries. Range spans northern Australian coasts and adjacent regions of the Indo-Malay Archipelago.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Bottom-associated and largely nocturnal, foraging along the seafloor for small fish. The spiny scales are thought to provide some protection or camouflage among rough substrates. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born in the water.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the horned sea snake have spiny scales?
The scales bear small conical projections, especially pronounced in males, though their exact function is not fully settled.
Is it dangerous to humans?
It is venomous but shy and bottom-dwelling, so encounters with people are rare.
Where is it found?
In shallow coastal waters of northern Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 0.7 to 1.1 meters in length.
Horned Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Horned Sea Snake.
