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Close-up of an Olive Sea Snake (Aipysurus laevis). Lighthouse, Ribbon Reefs, Great Barrier Reef
Photograph by Richard Ling. Some rights reserved.
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OLIVE SEA SNAKE FACTS
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Description
The Olive Sea Snake is a dangerous venomous snake from the coral reefs of northern Australia. It has a sturdy body and is purplish brown above with paler brown on underside. Usually has some creamy white scales scattered over body. The tail is vertically compressed and mostly creamy white with a brown ridge down the back.
Size
average size is 1.2m, but can grow to 2m
Environment
reefs, lagoons, coral, rocky shores
Food
fish, fish eggs, prawns, crabs
Breeding
gives birth to 2-5 live young
Range
The Olive Sea Snake is abundant in coastal waters off the northern half of Australia from Brisbane in east to Shark Bay in west.
Notes
Although it can be aggressive, attacks are rare.
Classification
| Class: | Reptilia | | Order: | Squamata (Serpentes) | | Family: | Hydrophiidae | | Genus: | Aipysurus | | Species: | laevis | | Common Name: | Olive Sea Snake |
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