Yellow Sea Snake
Hydrophis spiralis
One of the largest sea snakes, known for its bright yellow to olive coloration and slender, elongate body found across the Indian Ocean.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.4-2.75 m (4.6-9 ft)
- Range
- Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific coastal waters
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Overview
The yellow sea snake is among the longest of all sea snakes, capable of exceeding two meters in length. It ranges widely across the Indian Ocean and into parts of the western Pacific, inhabiting shallow coastal and estuarine waters.
As with other sea snakes, it carries potent neurotoxic venom for prey capture, but it is not aggressive toward humans and typically flees when disturbed.
How to identify it
- Long, slender body, one of the largest sea snake species
- Bright yellow to yellowish-olive coloration, sometimes with faint darker crossbands, especially in juveniles
- Small head relative to body, with a moderately elongated snout
- Smooth scales and a laterally compressed, paddle-like tail
- Adults can reach up to about 2.75 m
Habitat & range
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths, generally over soft sediment. Distributed across the Indian Ocean from the Persian Gulf and East Africa to South and Southeast Asia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Feeds primarily on eels and other elongate fish, which its long body and jaws are well suited to capturing in burrows and crevices. Active mainly at night. Reproduction is ovoviviparous, producing live young at sea.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the yellow sea snake get?
It is one of the largest sea snakes, with adults reaching up to about 2.75 meters.
Is the yellow sea snake venomous?
Yes, it has neurotoxic venom used to subdue prey such as eels.
What does it eat?
Primarily eels and other elongate fish found in burrows and crevices.
Where does it live?
In shallow coastal and estuarine waters across the Indian Ocean and parts of the western Pacific.
Yellow Sea Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Yellow Sea Snake.
