Hydrophis
Hydrophis is a genus of venomous sea snakes found in the Indo-Pacific region. They are known for their distinctive, often brightly colored, bodies and their highly specialized adaptations for an entirely marine lifestyle.
Common Names
Common names for species within the genus Hydrophis include sea snakes, true sea snakes, and yellow-bellied sea snakes. The specific name often reflects their unique coloration or geographical distribution.
Characteristics
Hydrophis sea snakes possess several key characteristics that distinguish them from other snake families:
- Lateral Flattened Tails: Their tails are flattened laterally, resembling paddles, which aids in swimming.
- Valvular Nostrils: Their nostrils are located on the top of their snout and have valves that close tightly when submerged, preventing water entry.
- Venom: All species in this genus are venomous, using their fangs to subdue prey. The venom's composition and toxicity vary across species.
- Salt Glands: They possess specialized salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt ingested from seawater, crucial for maintaining a healthy body fluid balance.
Environments
Hydrophis sea snakes are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Coastal Waters: They are often found near coastlines, particularly around rocky reefs and seagrass beds.
- Open Ocean: Some species venture into open ocean waters, often found near floating debris or seaweed patches.
- Estuaries: Certain Hydrophis species are known to tolerate brackish waters in estuaries, where freshwater mixes with seawater.
References
For further information on the genus Hydrophis, please refer to the following reliable sources: