Ornate Sea Snake
Hydrophis ornatus
A moderately robust sea snake with variable, often diamond-shaped dorsal markings, found across coral reef and coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.4 m (3.3-4.6 ft)
- Range
- Indo-Pacific coastal and reef waters
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Overview
The ornate sea snake is a widespread reef-associated marine elapid found across much of the tropical Indo-Pacific. Its common name refers to its variable, often intricately patterned dorsal markings.
It feeds on small fish prey.
How to identify it
- Moderately stout body
- Pale gray to olive-brown ground color with dark, often diamond- or rhombus-shaped blotches along the back
- Pattern variable and sometimes fading with age
- Small head, paddle-shaped tail
- Adults typically 1.0-1.4 m
Habitat & range
Found over coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy or muddy coastal bottoms across the Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa through South and Southeast Asia to northern Australia and the western Pacific.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Forages for small fish among reef and soft-bottom habitats. Active by day and night. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with live young born at sea.
Frequently asked questions
What does the ornate sea snake look like?
It has a pale body with dark, often diamond-shaped blotches running along its back.
Where does it live?
In coral reef and coastal waters across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Does it lay eggs?
No, it gives birth to live young at sea rather than laying eggs.
Ornate Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ornate Sea Snake.
