Yellow-bellied sea snake
A species of Graceful small-headed seasnake Scientific name : Hydrophis platurus Genus : Graceful small-headed seasnake
Yellow-bellied sea snake, A species of Graceful small-headed seasnake
Scientific name: Hydrophis platurus
Genus: Graceful small-headed seasnake
Content
Description General Info
Description
Hydrophis platurus, commonly known as the yellow-bellied sea snake, yellowbelly sea snake or pelagic sea snake, is a species of snake from the subfamily Hydrophiinae (the sea snakes) found in tropical oceanic waters around the world, excluding the Atlantic Ocean. It was the only member of the genus Pelamis but recent molecular evidence suggests that it is more closely related to the species of the genus Hydrophis.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Yellow-bellied sea snake orients itself to an exclusively piscivorous diet, feeding predominantly on shallow water fish. Fish consumption encompasses varying species, depending on regional availability, showcasing adaptability within restricted dietary parameters.
Appearance
The yellow-bellied sea snake is a slender, elongated sea snake, typically measuring up to 1 meter long. It lacks the characteristic scales of terrestrial snakes and instead has smooth, leathery skin. Its body is strikingly bicolored - a shiny blue-black on top and a vibrant yellow below, broken by flat, paddle-like tail. No significant differences exist between ages, genders or subspecies in terms of their appearance.
Behavior
Yellow-bellied sea snake is a pelagic, nocturnal predator that primarily hunts fish. Employing a unique yellow, flat-tail used as a lure, the species uses ambush tactics near the water surface. While typically solitary, populations exhibit seasonal migrations based on monsoon cycles. Notably, yellow-bellied sea snake is one of the few sea snakes capable of 'sea-surface mimetism', camouflaging against the water's surface to avoid detection.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Elapids Species
Yellow-bellied sea snake 
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