Lepimus curtus (Short Sea Snake)

(Courtesy from Zoological Survey Department)

Lepimis curtus

Distinguishing Features

i. They are poisonous snakes.
ii. Their venom is neurotoxic in nature.
iii. The body is very small and stout. It is cylindrical anteriorly but strongly depressed posteriorly.
iv. They possess a large head, which is depressed with strong jaws. The upper part of the head is gray or olive in colour.
v. The snout is round.
vi. The iris of the eye is dull green in colour.
vii. The scales on the upper labial vary from 6 - 7 in number. The 3^rd and 4^th scales touch the eye.
viii. The scales on the lower labial are 9 in number.
ix. The dorsal colour is pale olive. Laterally, the body is pale yellow or white in colour.
x. The distal half of the tail is black in colour.
xi. 45 - 55 black or dark olive cross barscrossbars are present on the body.

Size

Its length varies from 675 - 900 mm.

Habit and Habitat

This specie is commonly found on rocky coasts. They cannot survive on land for long. When annoyed or touched they become aggressive and bite actively.

Food

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

Distribution

This species is found in the Persian Gulf, Srilanka and along the Coastline of India. These snakes are common along the Wwestern Mekran Coast but are rare along the Karachi Coast.

Breeding

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

Economic Importance

Large size, beautiful skin and venom, all make them economically valuable. However, it is difficult to get these snakes out of their habitat and keep them in captivity for long. This accounts for their limited use.. Fishermen throw them back into the sea They act as a preferred food of the birds of prey hunt these snakes, as their preferred food.

Status

Common