Enhydrina schistosa (Beaked Sea Snake)

(Courtesy from Zoological Survey Department)

Enhydrina schistosa

Distinguishing Features

i. They are poisonous snakes.
ii. Their venom is neurotoxic in nature.
iii. The body is elongated, stout and compressed laterally.
iv. The head is large, a little depressed and green in colour.
v. The Rostral prolongs downward and becomes beak shaped. This is the reason for calling this specie Beaked Sea Snake.
vi. The iris of the eye is dull green in colour.
vii. The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 7 - 9 .
viii. The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 8 - 10 .
ix. The dorsal surface is dirty white to pale greenish graygrey in colour.
x. The body is covered with 40 - 50 cross bands, which are olive to blackish in colour.

Size

Its length varies from 850 – 1200 mm.

Habit and Habitat

These snakes are usually found in moderately shallow water and frequently seen in offshore waters in winters. During monsoon they enter into the tidal creeks for shelter. A female of this specie was collected from mangrove swamps near Korangi creek. They also occur in deep water. They crawl rapidly for short distance on land. They are aggressive by nature and can bite on touching.

Food

They feed on fishes, crabs, prawns and other crustacean species.

Distribution

This species is found at the gulf of Oman, Seychelles, Vietnam and along the Australian Coasts. In Pakistan this species is commonly found around the coastline of Karachi.

Breeding

Mating Season: April - May
Birth:                 A female gives birth to 4 young ones in the months of July - August

Economic Importance

These snakes are in great demand and possess immense medicinal value because of their large size, beautiful skin and venom. However, it is very difficult to catch these snakes and keep them in captivity for long. Birds of prey hunt these snakes as their preferred food.

Status

Common