Identification:
The spine-bellied sea snake has a relatively thick body, reaching approximately 1 meter in length. Its head is broad, ranging in color from pale yellowish-green to black, and may have a yellowish-green stripe across the snout. Body scales are quadrilateral or hexagonal, closely arranged. Ventral scales, excluding those at the anterior part of the body, are clearly distinguishable; those in the posterior part may be smaller than the surrounding scales. The dorsal surface is light green or yellowish-green, marked with 35-50 transverse bands of yellowish-green to dark green. These transverse bands may encircle the body, forming rings. The ventral surface is white, with a few narrow, dark lines that rarely form irregular, broad bands. The transverse bands on the back may merge, giving the back a uniform green color.
Biology and Ecology:
This species inhabits estuaries and nearshore waters, typically at depths not exceeding 70 meters. It is a piscivore (fish eater). It gives birth to live young, with 1-4 offspring (usually 2-3) per litter, between December and February, and likely does not breed annually.
Distribution:
The spine-bellied sea snake is found from the Bay of Bengal to Japan, and southward to northern Australia and New Guinea. In Vietnam, it is a common sea snake species found in both the North and South regions.