Sea snakes

Hydrophiinae

Sea snakes are fully aquatic creatures that have adapted well to life in the sea. They have a flattened tail and the ability to close their nostrils, allowing them to partially breathe through their skin (up to 20% O2 and 100% CO2). They excrete salt through a gland under their tongue. True sea snakes (Hydrophiinae; 54 species) give birth to live young, while sea kraits (Laticaudinae; 5 species) lay eggs. Sea snakes are capable of diving to depths of up to 100 meters and staying underwater for up to 2 hours. To potentially avoid decompression sickness, they breathe rapidly and immediately dive. Sea snakes have limited eyesight. They locate prey by tasting the water with their tongue, which passes over their Jacobson's organ located on the roof of their mouth. Additionally, they sense water vibrations with their muscles. Most sea snakes feed on eels and small fish that reside in burrows and crevices. Some strike their prey laterally. Sea snakes typically do not attack unless provoked, but during the breeding season, they can be aggressive and may occasionally coil around divers.

However, their small mouths and short fangs cannot penetrate a wet suit. Fatal bites usually occur when fishermen attempt to free snakes from their nets. It is important to avoid handling sea snakes altogether, as their venom is 10 times more potent than that of a cobra.

The beaked sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa) can inject enough venom with a single bite to kill over 50 people. Symptoms of a bite include swelling, nausea, and paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Additional enzymes break down muscle cells, causing the urine to turn brown due to myoglobin breakdown. A person who has been bitten requires complete rest and immediate medical assistance.

Around 12 species of sea snakes inhabit the Persian Gulf and the coasts of 🇴🇲 Oman, but none of them venture into the 🌊 Red Sea. It is likely that the cold upwelling off the southern Arabian Peninsula acts as a barrier.