The Most Poisonous Snake........

Belcher's sea snake

The Belcher's sea snake (Hydrophis belcheri) is a species of sea snake. It is the most toxic snake in the world. Just one drop can kill more than 1000 people. But, it has a friendly temperament and would normally have to be subjected to severe mistreatment before biting. Usually those bitten are fishermen handling nets, although only a quarter of those bitten are envenomated since the snake rarely injects much of its venom. Because of this, and its docile nature, it is generally not regarded as very dangerous.

Description

The faint-banded sea snake is of moderate size, ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter in adult length. Its thin body is usually chrome yellowish in color and is surrounded by dark greenish bands. Head is short and has same colour as that of bands. Its mouth is very small but suitable for aquatic life. Its body when viewed outside water appears having fainted yellow colour. Its scales are different from other snakes and they overlap each other. Dorsal pattern does not extend on to venter; it has scales with a central tubercle. It is highly compressed at the rear end of the body and has a short head. Abdominal board is very narrow or non-existent.

Like other sea snakes, it has a paddle-like tail which makes it an expert swimmer; it rarely goes on land, and eats fish and shellfish. It breaths air, has valves over its nostrils that close underwater. It can hold its breath for as long as 7 to 8 hours while hunting and even sleeping but then has to come over water surface for a quick breath of air. It is generally docile and not aggressive at all. It may deliver a provoked bite only after repeated severe treatment. It usually bites fishermen handling nets but only 25% of those bitten are envenomed.

Distribution

Indian Ocean (Philippines: Visayan area, Panay; New Guinea), Gulf of Thailand, Australia, Solomon Islands [McCoy 2000]. Especially around the Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea off northwest Australia.