Scientific name

Hydrophis lapemoides

IUCN status

Least Concern.

Description

Arabian Gulf Sea Snakes are venomous snakes that inhabit marine environments for most of their lives. They can be identified by their patterning, comprising dark bands along the length of the body, contrasted against a background colour of yellow or pale green.

Key threats

Residential and commercial development and invasive species.

Where they're found today

Coastal waters in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Abu Dhabi’s efforts

So far, EAD recorded a total of four species of sea snakes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. They were mostly sighted off Marawah Marine Biosphere, which is part of our Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network.

Fun facts

  1. Although their venom is the most potent of all snakes, sea snakes are generally not aggressive, and only use their venom when provoked or in defense.
  2. Sea snakes can remain submerged for several hours, possibly as much as eight or more, due to their ability to breathe through their skin.
  3. Sea snakes generally birth to an average of 2-9 young, but as many as 34 may be born in some cases.
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