Field guide
Hook-nosed sea snake
හොට වාලක්කඩියා · hota walakkadiya
Hydrophis schistosus
Venomous
A bite from this species is a medical emergency.
The beaked sea snake — one of the most dangerous sea snakes.
How to identify
1Beak-like hooked snout
2Pale body with dark bands
3Flattened, paddle-like tail
If bitten
Venomous sea snake. Keep the victim calm and still, immobilise the limb and reach a hospital immediately. Muscle pain and weakness may be delayed for hours. Do NOT cut or apply a tourniquet.
Up to 1.2 m
Length
Marine
Active
Fish
Diet
Where it's found
Coastal
Coastal seas, estuaries and river mouths.