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Family : ELAPIDAE (Hydrophiinae)
Species : Laticauda colubrina
Maximum Size : 1.5 metres
Reptile Database list
eight species of the genus Laticauda, with the most widespread being
Laticauda colubrina (Yellow-lipped Sea Krait, Amphibious Sea Snake).
This species inhabits near-shore habitats, particularly shallow tropical
reefs. However, it frequently comes ashore, especially during the breeding
season when their eggs are laid on land. It is thus not considered a 'true'
sea snake, which bear live young at sea.
The attractive silver and
black or bluish-black banding covers the entire body from the neck area to the tip of the
tail. The tail is laterally compressed and rudder-like, making the snake an
efficient underwater swimmer. The species has a powerful myotoxic venom
which will paralyze the muscles of a bite victim.
Laticauda colubrina ranges along
the coasts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to
the islands of Indonesia, Philippines and the western Pacific Ocean.
Figs 1 and 2 : Example from the Seribuat Archipelago, a group of islands in the
South China Sea, lying off the southern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Photos thanks to Evan Quah.
Fig 3 : Pulau Rawa (= Rawa Island) in the Seribuat Archipelago; such
islands have near-shore fringing coral reefs, with sandy or rocky
coastlines - perfect habitat for Laticauda colubrina.
Fig 4 : Laticauda colubrina in shallow, fringing
coral reef at Manado Tua, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo thanks to
Kelvin Lim.
Fig 5 : The island of Manado Tua. A diverse, shallow coral reef lies
immediately in front of the steep rocky shore; Laticauda colubrina
(Fig. 4) was photographed here.
References :
Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens.
Natur und Tier - Verlag.
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