Leaf-Scaled Sea Snake

The leaf-scaled sea snake is a small, geographically restricted species found only in a narrow band of reef habitat off Western Australia, historically centered on Ashmore Reef and nearby areas. Populations have experienced significant declines, and the species is considered of conservation concern.

It is venomous, like all sea snakes, using its venom to capture small reef fish, but poses little threat to humans given its restricted range and low encounter rate with people.

• Small, moderately slender body
• Pale cream to yellowish-brown coloration, sometimes with faint darker markings
• Named for its overlapping, leaf-shaped dorsal scales, distinct from the more granular scaling of related species
• Small head, not distinct from the neck
• Paddle-shaped tail
• Adults typically under 1 m

Restricted to shallow coral reef and reef flat habitats in a limited area of Western Australia, most notably around Ashmore Reef and Hibernia Reef in the Timor Sea.

Forages among coral and reef crevices for small fish and fish eggs. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with small litters of live young born in the water. Populations at some historical sites have declined sharply for reasons that remain under investigation.