Although sea snake have been depicted since ancient times as huge and fearsome creatures attacking ships, they are actually much smaller and harmless. Their modest size and selective feeding habits allow them to lead a calm and mysterious existence in the seas.
Evolutionary History
When we look at the evolutionary history of sea snakes, it is possible to understand how and why these creatures colonized the seas. Fossil records obtained from Tertiary sediments show that these species lived during the Eocene period, approximately 35 million years ago, and made the transition from land to sea.
Sea Snake Species
The Laticuda genus, also known as the East Asian sea snake, is one of the species least adapted to the marine environment. They are evolutionarily descended from other land snakes that are abundant in Australia and give birth to live young. Species such as Ephalophis grayi, Hydrelaps darwiniensis and Parahydrophis mertoni live especially in estuaries, wet mangrove forests and mudflats.
Morphological Differences
The morphology of sea snakes varies depending on their adaptations and lifestyles. Snakes of the genus Emydocephalus and Aipysurus live in shallow reefs and have special morphological features that distinguish them from other sea snakes.
Is the Sea Snake Poisonous?
Sea snakes generally do not pose a danger to humans, but they are highly poisonous species. The venom of these snakes contains neurotoxins, making them potentially very dangerous. However, sea snakes generally avoid contact with humans and are not aggressive.
Sea snakes are generally very reluctant to bite and rarely attack humans. If they bite, it's mostly when they feel threatened. Sea snake bites are usually painless and may not initially be noticed. However, due to their venom, their bites can lead to serious consequences.
In summary, sea snakes can be dangerous to humans, but they are generally not aggressive and tend to stay away from humans. When encountering sea snakes, the best approach is to stay away from them and not disturb them.
Swimming Abilities and Physiology
The swimming abilities and physiology of sea snakes provide impressive mobility underwater. Their long bodies and large lung capacity optimize their movements under the sea. All sea snakes are venomous, which helps them catch their prey effectively.
What Do Sea Snakes Eat?
Sea snakes' feeding habits focus on a variety of marine creatures. Species such as the olive sea snake and the Hardwicke sea snake feed on invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, squid and cuttlefish.
Deep Diving and Breathing Capacity
Sea snakes are known for their extraordinary diving abilities and large breathing capacities. The saccular lung allows these creatures to stay underwater for long periods of time and supports them while swimming.
Salt Balancing Mechanisms
Sea snakes' strategies for coping with salt water in the sea are related to their skin being less permeable and their sublingual glands effectively excreting excess salt.
Reproductive Strategies
The reproductive strategies of sea snakes are also quite diverse. Yellow-bellied sea snakes mate on the surface of the water, while other species usually mate on the seabed. The size of the lungs plays a key role in understanding the reproductive biology of sea snakes.
