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Spectacled sea snake

Species of snake From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The spectacled sea snake (Hydrophis kingii), also known commonly as King's sea snake, is species of venomous sea snake in the family Elapidae.[1][2] The species is native to waters off northern Australia and the southern coast of New Guinea.[1][3]

Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Serpentes
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Spectacled sea snake
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Hydrophis
Species:
H. kingii
Binomial name
Hydrophis kingii
Boulenger, 1896
Synonyms[2]

Disteira kingii (Boulenger, 1896)

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Etymology

The specific name, kingii, is in honor of Australian marine surveyor Philip Parker King.[4]

Description

H. kingii usually attains a total length (including tail) of not more than 1.9 m (6.2 ft). The head is black, and a there is a white ring around the eye. The anterior chin shields are in contact with the mental groove. The dorsal scales are keeled, and overlapping.[5]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of H. kingii is marine waters, to a depth of 22 m (72 ft), with a muddy or sandy bottom.[1]

Diet

H. kingii preys upon small fishes.[1]

Reproduction

H. kingii is ovoviviparous.[2]

Venom

H. kingii is dangerously venomous.[5]

References

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