Amphibious Sea Snake

A venomous snake of family Hydrophiidae (50 species), sometimes included in family Elapidae; inhabits warm coastal waters in the Pacific and Indian oceans; small head, thick body, tail flattened from side to side; eats fish and fish eggs; venom very powerful; most give birth to live young in the water, and spend entire life at sea. Species of genus Laticauda are called sea kraits; these lay eggs, and are often found on land.sea snake, name for any of the venomous marine snakes of the family Hydrophidae, found in tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans. The sea snake's body is flattened laterally and its oarlike tail is used as a scull. A specialized lung and nostrils with valves enable it to remain submerged for periods of up to 8 hr. Most species are dark above and lighter below, or ringed with black and grayish green. They feed on small fish and are preyed upon by sea birds, sharks, and larger fish. Their potent venom quickly immobilizes their prey; however, they are not aggressive and rarely strike at humans when caught.