Annulated sea snake (Hydrophis cyanocinctus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Hydrophis cyanocinctus
- Common name
- Annulated sea snake
- Category
- Marine reptiles
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Hydrophis
- Size
- 150–275 cm
- Depth
- 0–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, sandy-bottom
- Behaviours
- pelagic
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Hydrophis cyanocinctus reaches 2.75 m. Large sea snake (Elapidae) Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf with cylindrical body yellow-green to olive-yellow with distinct black-blue to black rings over entire length (hence cyanocinctus, blue-girded), thin head, vertically flattened tail. Lives from 0 to 50 m on coral reefs, sandy bottoms and coastal waters, fully aquatic unlike Laticauda (never leaves water, viviparous). Predator of fish extracted from holes. Powerful venom. Middle East, India, Malaysia dive photo subject, impressive encounter but curious swimmer rather than aggressive.
Photo of Annulated sea snake
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Annulated sea snake?
- Annulated sea snake (Hydrophis cyanocinctus) reaches 150–275 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Annulated sea snake?
- Annulated sea snake is found between 0–50 m deep.
- Is the Annulated sea snake dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Annulated sea snake?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Annulated sea snake?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Elapidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 344055)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5960375)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia