Identification Characteristics:
The body is cylindrical, not laterally compressed. Scales on the body overlap, with the ventral scales being large and measuring 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the body. It has one preocular scale, two postocular scales, two temporal scales, six supralabial scales, six infralabial scales, and 17 scale rows. There are 139-142 ventral scale rows and 23-32 subcaudal scale rows. The head is black, and the back is yellowish-green, featuring 44-45 transverse bands formed by yellow scales with black edges. A longitudinal black-gray stripe runs down the midline of the back. The body length does not exceed 500 mm.
Biology and Ecology:
The diet primarily consists of various types of eggs. It inhabits coastal waters and estuaries.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: From Binh Thuan (Ke Ga Cape, Phan Thiet) to the Gulf of Thailand.
- Global: Thailand, Malaysia, Australia
Value:
Valuable for scientific research and medicinal purposes.
Conservation Status:
Subject to destructive exploitation. Threat level: Grade V.
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Limit exploitation. If juvenile individuals are caught, they should be released back into the sea.