Turtle-Headed Sea Snake
Emydocephalus annulatus
A small reef sea snake specialized for feeding exclusively on fish eggs.
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, including Australia and New Caledonia
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Overview
The Turtle-Headed Sea Snake is a fully marine species found on shallow coral reefs, where it specializes in feeding on fish eggs. Its diet does not require taking active prey, and it has small, blunt teeth.
It is one of the gentlest sea snakes and poses minimal risk to humans, often allowing close approach by divers and snorkelers.
How to identify it
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Small head with a blunt, turtle-like snout, giving the species its name
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Body pattern varies from plain grayish to banded with dark rings, sometimes with a bluish tint
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Paddle-shaped tail adapted for swimming
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Distinguished from banded sea snakes by its shorter, blunter head and specialized diet
Habitat & range
Restricted to shallow coral reef flats and lagoons throughout parts of the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia, rarely straying into open or deep water.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal, spending most of its time slowly foraging over coral for fish eggs, which it locates using scent and touch rather than active pursuit. Fully aquatic, giving birth to live young at sea. Generally unafraid of divers due to minimal predation risk from humans.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Turtle-Headed Sea Snake eat?
It feeds almost exclusively on the eggs of reef fish.
Why is it called turtle-headed?
Because of its short, blunt snout that resembles the head shape of a turtle.
Where does it live?
On shallow coral reefs throughout parts of the Indo-Pacific, including Australia and New Caledonia.
Turtle-Headed Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Turtle-Headed Sea Snake.
