Sea Kraits [Laticauda]

Description

Laticauda is a genus of venomous elapid snakes known commonly as sea kraits. They are characterized by their adaptation to both terrestrial and marine life, possessing a compressed, paddle-like tail for swimming and the ability to extract oxygen through their skin for subaquatic respiration. These snakes are found in the warm coastal waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. They feed primarily on eels and small fish. Sea kraits are distinguished from true sea snakes by their partially divided ventral scales, which are more adapted for crawling on land. Members of this genus lay their eggs on land, unlike many marine snakes which give birth to live young in the water. Despite their potent venom, which they use to immobilize prey, sea kraits are generally not aggressive toward humans unless provoked.

Species

Taxonomy