snakes

Sea snake
Hydrophiidae

Sea snake venom is more toxic than the venom of land snakes. Despite this fact, its bites are rarely fatal for the following reasons.

First, sea snakes are very shy and avoid contact with people. Even if they inflict a bite, they will usually use a small amount of venom. In fact, it is used for immobilizing prey and not for defense. Sea snakes are generally very small and have short fangs incapable of causing much damage. However, to think that a bite is a minor accident is a great misconception. Even the short fangs (2.5–4.5 mm) can penetrate the skin so the poison will enter the blood. It is said that sea snakes can open their mouths wide enough to bite a man on the thigh. If provoked, the sea snake may become very aggressive and persistent, especially during the mating season in the winter.

They are close relatives to the cobra and are totally adapted to marine life: they have modified lungs to help them maintain buoyancy and to remain underwater for a long time. Sea snakes have specialized flattened tails for swimming and special glands for disposing of excess salt. As they need to breathe air, they usually inhabit shallow water feeding on fish, fish eggs and eels. Most sea snakes live along the coasts and in the estuaries of Australia and Asia. The pelagic sea snake Pelamis platurus has the greatest range–it can be found from the Pacific to Madagascar and the New World. It is occasionally washed up on beaches after storms and may be dangerous to little children. The sea kraits differ from the sea snakes in that they are egg-layers and must come on shore for reproduction.

The bite of the sea snake is painless. However, half an hour later the following symptoms appear: stiffness, muscle aches and spasm of the jaw, pain in the bitten limb. The powerful neurotoxins contained in the venom cause blurred vision, drowsiness and respiratory paralysis.

The bite is treated with sea snake antivenin. If it is not available, tiger snake antivenin or even polyvalent antivenin may help.

Disclaimer II: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. The Webmaster of FUNdamentals of Camping and/or Angelfire.com assume no responsibility for how this material is used. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill. Also note that while The Webmaster of FUNdamentals of Camping frequently updates its contents, medical information changes rapidly. Therefore, some information may be out of date.

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using any info from this site, you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms by clicking here. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. All information on this web site is provided as a free service. Under no conditions does it constitute professional advice. No representations are made as to the completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or otherwise of the information provided. This site is considered publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.