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This sea snake is the most widely distributed type of reptile
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name: Pelamis platura
Common Name: Pelagic Sea Snake, Yellow-bellied Sea Snake
Dimensions: Generally less than 90 cm long, females are significantly larger than males and may reach a total length of 88 cm with a tail length of 9 cm, while males reach 72 cm in total length and 8 cm in tail length
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0359
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The sea snake has a laterally compressed body that's short and not stout. Its rear part is about twice the diameter of the neck, featuring a paddle-shaped tail for swimming. The body is covered in small, smooth, hexagonal, or squarish scales. The head is small and narrow with an elongated snout, and the relatively large eyes have round pupils. Adapted to aquatic life, the snake has small valved nostrils on the snout that close when submerged. This venomous species has poison fangs in the upper jaw and solid teeth behind them.

Its coloration is distinct, with a unique pattern: the lower half of the body and head are light brown or yellowish, sharply separated from the black or dark brown upper half. The ventral side of the tail is yellow or cream-colored with brown spots or bars on the dorsal side. There's variation in the dark areas' extent and shape on the lighter background. This snake is called the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake due to its distinct coloration.
Habitat and Biology
Unlike other sea snakes, this particular species occupies the open ocean, venturing far from coastlines and reefs, often found in clear, warm, shallow waters with little surf or strong currents. While adept at swimming, it commonly drifts passively with marine currents in the upper zero to ten metre range of the water column, frequently observed in groups along lines of debris. As a surface feeder, it exclusively preys on fish, employing a feeding strategy that involves floating and waiting for prey before injecting a potent nerve poison to immobilize the victim. This snake is active both day and night. Females give birth to fully developed live young in the open ocean.
ECO System Qatar
Sea Grass: Seagrass grows on the seabed, creating underwater meadows that play a crucial role in supporting Gulf ecosystems. These habitats offer shelter to young shrimp, oysters, and various species, serving as a vital food source for many marine creatures. The roots of seagrasses contribute to stabilizing the sandy seabed, protecting it from erosion. Given the high salt levels and extreme temperature variations in the Arabian Gulf, only a few seagrass species can thrive. In Qatar, seagrasses are essential for stabilizing the seabed against wave action and other erosional forces.
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