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| Hydrophis spiralis (Yellow Sea Snake) |
(Courtesy from Zoological Survey Department) |
Hydrophis spiralis
| Scientific Name: |
Hydrophis spiralis |
| English Name : |
Yellow Sea Snake |
| Local Name : |
Samundari Sanp or Khara Pani Wala Sanp or Balla |
Distinguishing Features
i. They are poisonous snakes.
ii. Their venom is nuerotoxic in nature.
iii. The body of this snake is elongated, cylindrical and robust anteriorly and compressed posteriorly.
iv. The head is large, broad and yellow in colour but in young snakes it is blackish with yellow markings.
v. The snout is long.
vi. The scales are imbricate which are smooth on the anterior side and are weakly keeled on the posterior side of the body.
vii. The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 6 - 8. The 2nd scale touches the prefrontal while 3rd, 4th and 5th or only two of them touch the eye.
viii. The scales on lower labial are 4 in number and touch the chin shield.
ix. The dorsal surface is golden yellow to yellow green in colour.
x. The colour of the ventral surface is pinkish and the scales are with black margin.
xi. A black patch is present near the tip of the tail. These annuli are wide at the vertebral region but narrow on flanks and on ventral side.
Size
Its length varies from 1800 - 2000 mm.
Habit and Habitat
These snakes are found in mangrove swamps and creeks. They are aggressive by nature and can bite forcefully.
Food
They feed on fishes, crabs, prawns and other crustacean species.
Distribution
This specie occurs is found in the Persian Gulf, Indian Coasts and Philippines. In Pakistan this specie is found in the coastal areas of Karachi and Balochistan.
Breeding
Mating Season: April - May
Birth: A female gives birth to 4-5 young ones at a time in the months of July and August.
Economic Importance
They are of immense commercial and medicinal value for their size, beautiful skin and the venom Because of their large size, beautiful skin and venom, they are of great commercial and medicinal value but 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
Less common | 
