The yellow-bellied sea snake (Pelamis platurus) is an aquatic serpent (legless squamate reptile) found in Southeast Asia. It drifts in surface sea current, hunting small fish which shelter amid floating debris. The powerful venom causes paralysis and death of prey. This snake belongs to the Elapidae family, which means it has large hollow front fangs as it glands secrete neurotoxin venom.
Physical Characteristics
The yellow-bellied sea snake can grow to measure 70 cm in length (more than two feet). Its belly and the lower half of its body is bright yellow and its back is black or dark grey, with smooth scales and the head large symmetrical scales. Its fangs are large and located in front of upper jaw.
Natural Habitats
The yellow-bellied sea snake can be seen in the East Indies (Indonesia), the southern tip of India, and the southern, East African coastal waters. Vagrants are washed south in the Agulhas current from tropical seas around Madagascar. From 3 to 5 young are born in the surface waves at sea.
Below, photograph of a yellow-bellied sea snake on the coast of southeastern Africa.
