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How to Identify a Sea Snake

Imagine taking a dive into the warm, shallow waters off Hawaii when suddenly something slithers past you in the water. Obviously not a fish, the creature is snake-like, with no legs and looks like the snakes you've encountered in your back yard. You've heard of sea snakes and know that they are venomous, but you've also heard of eels. Fret not, there are a few ways to find out just what kind of creature you're dealing with.

Instructions

- 1
  Remember where you are. Sea snakes are only found in the warm, shallow waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. If you are anywhere else, you are likely looking at an eel or a snake eel.
- 2
  Observe the behavior of the creature. If it comes to the surface to breathe, it's a snake. If you see it hunting or killing an eel, it is probably also a snake. If you see it burrowing into the sand, it's probably an eel.
- 3
  Examine the physical features. If it has gills, it's an eel. If it's got a flattened tail but maintains coloration and markings like land snakes, then it is probably a sea snake.
- 4
  Estimate water depth. If you see the creature basking on the surface of the water, it is definitely a sea snake. If it's swimming in water deeper than 4 to 6 feet, it is probably an eel. Sea snakes have been known to dive to extreme depths, but only when frightened, disturbed or during a hunt.
- 5
  Watch for land movement. Though rare, some species of sea snakes can still move on land. Unlike normal snakes (which can all swim), sea snakes generally cannot move very well on land, and prefer to spend their entire lives in the water.

Animals & Science