Short-Nosed Sea Snake
Aipysurus apraefrontalis
A small, rare sea snake with a short blunt snout, historically known from a few reef systems off Western Australia and now considered of high conservation concern.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.7 m (1.6-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal reef waters of Western Australia and possibly Timor Sea
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Overview
The short-nosed sea snake is a small, poorly known species historically recorded from a handful of coral reef locations in Western Australia. It is characterized by its unusually short, blunt snout compared to other sea snakes.
Like its relatives it is venomous, using its bite to subdue small fish prey, but it is of minimal risk to humans given its rarity and restricted, remote habitat.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body
- Distinctively short, blunt snout, shorter than in most related sea snakes
- Pale grayish to yellowish-brown coloration, sometimes with faint darker crossbands
- Small head not distinct from the neck
- Paddle-shaped tail
- Adults typically under 0.7 m
Habitat & range
Historically found in shallow coral reef flat habitats at a small number of sites in Western Australia, including Ashmore Reef, though records are sparse and the species has not been reliably observed in recent years at some historical locations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Presumed to forage for small fish among reef crevices, similar to related Aipysurus species. Reproduction is ovoviviparous. Very little is documented about its behavior due to its rarity and limited study.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the short-nosed sea snake?
It has an unusually short, blunt snout compared to other sea snakes.
Is the short-nosed sea snake rare?
Yes, it is known from very few historical locations and is of significant conservation concern.
Where was it found?
In shallow reef habitats off Western Australia, including Ashmore Reef.
Is it venomous?
Yes, like other sea snakes it produces venom used to subdue small fish prey.
Short-Nosed Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Short-Nosed Sea Snake.
