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| Pelamydrus platurus (Pelagic Sea Snake ) |
Pelamydrus platurus
| Scientific Name: |
Pelamydrus platurus |
| English Name : |
Pelagic Sea Snake |
| Local Name : |
Samundari Sanp or Khara Pani Wala Sanp or Bala |
Distinguishing Features
i. They are poisonous snakes.
ii. Their venom is nueuerotoxic in nature.
iii. This specie shows great variation in the pattern of scales and colour, this is due to the geographical distribution, environmental condition and habitat of different regions.
iv. The body is very compressed laterally.
v. They posses long, narrow and flat head.
vi. The snout is blunt.
vii. The body is covered with smooth scales, which are juxtaposed, quadrangular or more or less hexagonal in shape.
viii. The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 6 - 8. 1-3 scales are small while the 4th scale is the largest and touches the eye.
ix. The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 9 - 13. The first 5 scales are larger than others.
x. The dorsal colours is lemon yellow to cream.
xi. The ventral surface is pale in colour and the tail posses distinct black and white bars or vermicular markings.
xii. 10 - 19 brown or pale stripes are present on the dorsal surface of the body.
Size
Its length varies from 535 - 880 mm.
Habit and Habitat
They are found on sandy beaches and floating seaweeds. They are very active and graceful swimmers. These snakes cannot survive out of water. When handled or annoyed they attack and bite.
Food
They feed on fishes, crabs, prawns and other crustacean species.
Distribution
This specie is found in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of California, Cape of Good Hope and Newzealand. In Pakistan they are found throughout the coastline.
Breeding
Mating Season: Their mating season depends on the temperature of the water
Birth: A female gives birth to 3 - 7 young ones at a time.
Economic Importance
Though this specie is of great commercial value because of its skin and venom but it is almost impossible to keep them alive out of water for long. Thus, this characteristic restrict their survival and use out of their natural habitat. Nonetheless, this snake acts as a preferred food of birds of prey.
Status
Common | 
