Lambert's Sea Snake

Lambert's sea snake is a marine elapid restricted largely to the coastal waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It is closely related to, and sometimes historically confused with, other broad-headed Hydrophis species from the same region.

This species exemplifies the localized diversity of sea snakes in the Gulf of Thailand, an area recognized as a hotspot for Hydrophis species richness, and shares the fully aquatic adaptations typical of the group.

• Moderately stout body with a relatively broad head
• Pale grey to olive base color with dark crossbands or blotches along the back
• Bands often narrowing or breaking up toward the belly
• Smooth body scales arranged in overlapping rows
• Laterally flattened, paddle-like tail
• Adults typically reach 0.7-1.0 m in length

Found in shallow coastal waters over muddy or soft substrates within the Gulf of Thailand. Associated with estuarine and nearshore habitats supporting abundant small fish populations.

Forages along the seabed for small fish, using both venom and ambush tactics typical of Hydrophis sea snakes. Activity likely spans both day and night. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with females bearing live young in coastal waters.