Emydocephalus ijimae Stejneger, 1898

Taxonomic Classification

Emydocephalus ijimae, commonly called Ijima's sea snake or turtlehead sea snake, is a species of snake in the elapid family Elapidae.

General Distribution Range

This species lives in shallow coastal waters of the northwestern Pacific Ocean, in the East Asia region.

Specific Distribution Locations

It can be found off the coasts of China, Japan (including the Ryukyu Islands), and Taiwan.

Diet and Ecological Role

E. ijimae feeds only on the eggs of coral reef fish, a diet that makes it an important predator for maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems.

Reproductive Mode

E. ijimae is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young.

Reproductive Maturation Timing

Newborn individuals begin reproductive activity during their second or third summer and third spring after birth.

Reproductive Energy Strategy

Research indicates that E. ijimae is an income breeder, meaning it relies on newly acquired energy intake over time to produce its offspring.