Field guide
Yellow-bellied sea snake
බඩ කහ මුහුදු නයා · bada kaha muhudu naya
Hydrophis platurus
Venomous
A bite from this species is a medical emergency.
A pelagic sea snake with a striking yellow belly.
How to identify
1Black above, bright yellow below
2Sharply flattened paddle tail
3Drifts in open water
If bitten
Venomous sea snake. Keep the victim calm and still, immobilise the limb and reach a hospital immediately. Effects may be delayed. Do NOT cut or apply a tourniquet.
Up to 0.9 m
Length
Marine
Active
Small fish at the surface
Diet
Where it's found
Coastal
Open ocean and coastal surface waters.