Hydrophis elegans (Gray, 1842)

Taxonomy and Common Name

Hydrophis elegans, commonly known as the elegant sea snake, is a highly venomous sea snake species belonging to the family Elapidae.

Distribution

This species occurs off the coasts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.

Size

The elegant sea snake is a medium-sized, slender reptile that typically grows to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length; an exceptional individual measuring 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) was recorded in 2008.

Tail Structure

Like many other sea snakes, it has a laterally compressed tail that helps with swimming.

Body Coloration

Its body can have up to 44 dorsal bands ranging from grayish-black to black, which extend along its full body length.

Head and Nostril Features

It has large head scales, and like many other sea snakes, it possesses nostril valves that keep water from entering its lungs during dives.

Body Scale Arrangement

Its body scales are overlapping (imbricate), arranged in 37 to 49 rows at mid-body.

Ventral Scale Characteristics

Its ventral scales are usually undivided, are roughly as wide as or slightly wider than adjacent body scales, and number approximately 345 to 432 in total.