Laticauda colubrina
1.1m
0-10m
45 sites
The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is easily recognizable by its distinctive black bands encircling a bluish-grey or pale blue body. Its most defining feature is, of course, the bright yellow upper lip. Look for a flattened, paddle-shaped tail which is used for propulsion in the water. Their size typically ranges around a metre, but can reach up to 1.5 metres. They are generally quite slender, allowing them to navigate tight spaces in the reef.
Elapidae
Imagine gliding along a vibrant coral reef in Southeast Asia or the South Pacific, when suddenly, a striking serpent with bold black bands and a vibrant yellow lip appears. This is the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina), a fascinating reptile that frequents shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove forests. While venomous, these snakes are generally docile and pose little threat to divers and snorkellers. Encounters are often fleeting glimpses as they hunt for eels and small fish amongst the reef structure. Their elegant, almost languid movements in the water are a mesmerizing sight, a reminder of the diverse and often surprising life that thrives beneath the surface. They are able to hold their breath for extended periods, allowing them to explore the underwater world with ease, before returning to the surface to breathe. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might just be lucky enough to witness this unique creature in its natural habitat. These snakes are unique among sea snakes because they are amphibious, regularly returning to land to digest prey, shed their skin, mate, and lay eggs. This makes them a common sight in coastal areas, not just deep out at sea. Seeing one moving between the land and sea is an experience you won't soon forget!
