In biological classification, sea snakes constitute a complete family of various species of marine and freshwater fishes. Despite their diverse origins, all sea snake species share several common characteristics, which we will discuss in this article on TekeTrek website.
External Characteristics of Sea Snakes
- Sea snakes closely resemble land snakes to a significant extent.
- Sea snakes are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical, and flexible bodies, covered with mucus.
- Small rectangular scales are clearly visible on the body of sea snakes.
- Sea snakes have a small, slightly flattened head from the sides.
- The mouth of sea snakes is small and filled with very small but extremely sharp teeth.
- Sea snakes have long, worm-like bodies.
- Unlike most fishes, sea snakes do not have pelvic fins, and most species do not have pectoral fins.
- Sea snakes have a continuous dorsal, anal, and tail fin that extends around the tail tip.
- Sea snakes typically lack scales on their bodies.
- The color of sea snakes ranges from pale gray or black in species living in the depths of the sea to colorful and ornate species in tropical coral reef environments.
Sea Snake Habitat
- Sea snakes can be found in oceans around the world.
- Sea snakes can also be found in freshwater habitats.
- Some species of sea snakes inhabit the icy waters of the polar regions.
- Each type is distributed within a designated range.
- Many sea snakes can be found in shallow ocean waters, where they burrow in sand, mud, or among rocks.
- Other species of sea snakes live in deep waters on continental shelves.
How Long Do Sea Snakes Live?
- Each type has a different lifespan than the other type.
- American sea snakes typically live for at least five years, with some reaching ages between 15 to 20 years.
- Meanwhile, captive European sea snakes have been reported to live for over 80 years, but the lifespan of wild species has not been determined.
What is the diet of sea snakes?
- Sea snakes are carnivorous predators.
- Some species of sea snakes are known to prey on humans.
- The diet of sea snakes usually consists of small fish, invertebrates, and crustaceans, in addition to shrimp, crabs, and sea urchins.
- Freshwater sea snakes also consume insect larvae.
- Sea snakes silently ambush their prey for hours and then attack suddenly.
- Sea snakes can quickly grind their food with their sharp teeth.
- These creatures are actively feeding only in the warm season and undergo a state of metabolic slowdown with the onset of cold weather.
- During winter, sea snakes consume the stored energy from the summer. In spring, they emerge from hibernation and resume hunting.
Lifestyle of sea snakes
- Sea snakes prefer nocturnal life and burrow their holes in the ground during the day.
- Only the head of the sea snake remains outside to monitor its surroundings.
- Biologists have noticed that sea snakes adapt quickly to any conditions, as evidenced by their geographical distribution.
- Sea snakes feel comfortable in salty marine environments and in freshwater of shallow rivers.
Reproduction in sea snakes
- When a sea snake reaches sexual maturity, it ventures into the ocean to encounter a new life, usually in spring.
- Sea snakes lay their eggs in the warm depths of the sea.
- Interestingly, a female sea snake lays eggs only once in her life. After laying the eggs, all adults die.
- At once, a female can lay up to half a million small eggs.
- Sea snake larvae travel with the currents to the shores of Europe. This journey takes about three years for small fish.
- Therefore, by the end of the journey, the larvae transform into small, transparent creatures resembling willow leaves.
- Sea snakes grow very slowly, reaching a length of only one meter and a weight of about 1.5 kilograms by their fifth year. However, unique specimens measuring up to two meters can be found in nature.
Types of sea snakes
Sea snakes are common and widespread throughout the world.
They are divided into two main groups:
- marine snakes and river snakes.
- Each subgroup is further divided into species associated with their habitat.
- European and American sea snakes can migrate across both salty and freshwater environments, while other species live only in one of these environments.
Benefits of consuming sea snake
- Sea snake and river snake meat is rich in healthful substances.
- Although there are some differences between the compositions of the two types, the overall composition of the components is almost the same.
- The chemical formula is a balanced mixture of the following substances:
- Vitamin A (retinol): Improves visual function, skin, and hair condition. This helps in delaying aging.
- Vitamin E: Participates in almost all biochemical processes, including the production of important hormones.
- B vitamins: Have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and many other organs.
- Vitamin D: It is mainly important for children’s growth, as it is concerned with strengthening bones and teeth.
- Minerals: Include cobalt, copper, zinc, iron, as well as manganese, calcium, and many other valuable minerals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Play a major role in nervous system formation, stimulate the production of important hormones, and prevent skin aging.
- Protein constitutes the largest part of the composition, accounting for about 15%.
- Its formula contains 30% high-quality fats.
- Ascorbic acid is also present in sea snakes in small amounts. This substance enhances immune system protective functions.
Such a rich composition of seafood is of great value as a natural source of vital elements for muscles and bone tissues. Therefore, the product is included in the list of many diets, despite its high calorie content – 333 calories.
FAQ
- Are sea snakes poisonous?
Yes, sea snakes can be venomous. Some species of sea snake have powerful venoms that are used for self-defense and hunting. However, most species of sea snakes are not aggressive towards humans and prefer to stay away from contact with them. In the case of bites, sea snake bites can be extremely toxic and need immediate treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful and avoid unnecessary handling of sea snakes.
- Sea snake is it dangerous?
Sea snakes can be dangerous in some cases, especially if they belong to species that carry strong venom. Some species of sea snakes can be very venomous and can cause serious effects if bitten, such as paralysis, difficulty breathing, or even death. However, most bites from sea snakes are relatively rare, as these snakes prefer to avoid contact with humans.
- What does a sea snake do?
The eel is a predatory animal that lives in water, and feeds on small fish and invertebrates such as crustaceans, shrimp, etc. The eel uses quick and sudden hunting strategies to catch its prey, and relies on the sense of smell and movement to detect the prey.
- Which sea snake is the most poisonous?
The most poisonous sea snake is the Hydrophis belcheri, commonly known as the Belcher’s sea snake or faint-banded sea snake. It possesses one of the most potent venoms of all sea snakes.
- Are there sea snakes in South Africa?
Yes, there are sea snakes in South Africa. They can be found in the waters along the South African coast, particularly in the warmer Indian Ocean waters. However, they are not as common or diverse as in some other regions with warmer climates.
In conclusion, sea snakes face a number of threats, including pollution, environmental changes, and overfishing. Dams and other structures threaten the habitat and migration routes of sea snakes. It has become important to consider how to protect this animal from extinction and preserve its natural numbers.
