Identification:
Body cylindrical, flattened posteriorly. Eye diameter approximately equal to the distance from the edge of the eye to the edge of the mouth. Features include one preocular scale, one postocular scale, seven supralabial scales, one temporal scale, 48 scale rows around the neck, and 176 ventral scales. The dorsal surface exhibits a bluish-gray coloration with numerous dark gray bands encircling the body, along with dark spots along the flanks. The ventral surface is white. Body length ranges from 1 to 1.4 meters, with an average of 1.2 meters.
Biology and Ecology:
Diet consists of fish and shrimp. Breeding season occurs from March to September, with litters typically ranging from four to nine offspring.
This species inhabits coastal waters and estuaries with muddy or sandy substrates and is capable of terrestrial movement. It is considered the most aggressive sea snake species within its family.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Provinces from Ninh Thuan to the Gulf of Thailand.
- Global: India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Value:
Possesses medicinal value. Contains a high concentration of venom, with significant toxicity, which can be used to produce antivenom for other sea snakes within the Hydrophis genus.
Conservation Status:
Currently subject to significant exploitation for medicinal purposes, leading to a risk of endangerment. Threat level: Level V.
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Prohibit harvesting during the breeding season.