The Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa)

The Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa) is a highly venomous species of sea snake found in the tropical part of the Indo-Pacific region. These snakes are responsible for over 50% of snakebite incidents and the majority of cases of intoxication and fatalities. They have a broad and short frontal part with a wide head. Their coloration is dark gray on the upper side and whitish underneath, with young individuals having an olive or gray color with stripes. They typically inhabit the coasts and coastal islands of India. They are active both during the day and at night, can dive to depths of up to 100 meters, and stay underwater for up to 5 hours. Their main food source is fish. Their venom contains neurotoxins and myotoxins. They are venomous and aggressive. The lethal dose of their venom is estimated to be around 1.5 milligrams. The meat of these snakes is consumed as food in Hong Kong and Singapore. Antivenom for sea snake bites has been developed based on their venom.

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