All Australian sea snakes are marine adapted elapid snakes. Almost all are regarded as dangerously venomous, with some species having extremely powerful venoms used to kill their prey quickly.

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They are characterised by the flat paddle like tail, reduced ventral scales (in all taxa other than Laticauda), the nostrils are much higher, siting on the top of the head with valves that close while the snake is submerged.

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Their bodies and musculature are adapted to living in the water and as such must be managed quite differently to land snakes when handled. This includes actions such as tailing and head holding. This will kill sea snakes, while these are acceptable for terrestrial snakes.

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We are wildlife carers approved for venomous snakes in Queensland and will attend beach washed sea snakes across South East Queensland. Please call us on the mobile 24/7 if you come across a sea snake needing assistance.

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For further information about the sea snakes of Australia, we recommend you purchase our book on the Snakes of Australia - available from our store here.

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