Pelamis platurus

Scales around thickest part of body 49-67; not imbricate, six or four sided, lower rows with 2 or 3 tubercles. Ventrals 264-406.

DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERES

Head:

Head shields entire; 7-8 supralabial, 2nd in contact with prefrontal, 4th & 5th below the eyes, usually separated by small sub oculars; 1-2 preocular, 2-3 postocular; 2-3 anterior temporal, small.

Dorsal:

49-67 rows around the mid-body; more or less juxtaposed or quadrangular; the lower rows with 2-3 small keels, strong in males.

Ventral:

264-406, very small, usually divided by a median furrow, not distinct from adjacent dorsal scales.

REPRODUCTION

Viviparous. Female directly gives birth to 2-6 young from starting of monsoon to starting of winters.

SIZE

Average length- 70cm
Maximum length- 98cm

MORPHOLOGY

Body:

Laterally compressed, more on posterior side and its greatest diameter is more than twice of neck. Dorsal body pattern less blue-black with yellow or brownish color on side and belly. These two colors clearly demarche from each other. On posterior side these two colors form wavy curves. Tail white with alternative patches of black color of somewhat triangular shape. In other form black patches or stripe found on yellow part.

Head:

Head elongated, slightly broader than neck and covered with large shields. Greater part of head similar to top dorsal i.e. bluish-black with upper lip lined with yellow. Eyes moderate and have rounded pupil. 

ECOLOGY

Aquatic Adaptations: This snake has evolved several adaptations to its marine environment. It possesses a laterally compressed body, paddle-like tail, and a flattened ventral scale that aids in swimming. These adaptations allow it to move efficiently through the water.

Diet: Pelamis platurus is a carnivorous species that primarily feeds on small fish and eels. It has specialized jaws and fangs to capture and subdue its prey in the water.

Adaptations to Saltwater: Unlike most snakes, Pelamis platurus has adaptations to cope with the high salt content of its marine habitat. It possesses specialized glands that remove excess salt from its body, allowing it to survive and thrive in the saltwater environment.

Predators and Prey: As a top predator in its marine ecosystem, Pelamis platurus has few natural predators. However, larger predatory fish and seabirds may occasionally prey upon them. They, in turn, prey upon smaller fish and eels.

VENOMOSITY

Pelamis platurus, also known as the yellow-bellied sea snake or the pelagic sea snake, is venomous. The venom of Pelamis platurus is primarily neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system of its prey. While its venom is potent, Pelamis platurus is generally not considered highly dangerous to humans. 

GENERAL HABITAT

Pelamis platurus is a pelagic species found in warm tropical and subtropical oceans, typically in open water far from land. It is highly adapted for life at sea and rarely comes ashore.