Scroll Top

Beaked Sea Snake

Enhydrina schistosa

The Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa) is a highly venomous species of sea snake found in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is known for its distinctive beaked head, which gives it its common name. 

The snake has a slender body that can grow up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length, and is gray or brown in color. They have a highly toxic venom that can be deadly to humans, and should be avoided at all costs.


Beaked Sea Snakes are found in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the waters surrounding Southeast Asia, Australia, and India. They are primarily found in shallow waters near the coastline, including estuaries, mangrove swamps, and intertidal zones.


The Beaked Sea Snake feeds primarily on fish, including small eels, grunts, and catfish. They are highly effective hunters, using their excellent eyesight and sense of smell to locate their prey before striking with lightning-fast speed.


Beaked Sea Snakes are primarily active during the day, but may also be active at night. They are highly adapted to life in the water and are able to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while diving.

They are known to be highly aggressive when threatened, and their venom is highly potent and can be deadly to humans.


The Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa) is a member of the Hydrophiidae family, which includes all venomous sea snakes. It is classified in the genus Enhydrina, which includes a total of two species of sea snakes. The Beaked Sea Snake is known for its distinctive beaked head, which gives it its common name.

The Beaked Sea Snake is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is also important to educate the public on the dangers of their venom and to avoid contact with these snakes at all times.
Beaked Sea Snake graphic
"IMG_4182" by doowmirg is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/?ref=openverse.
Beaked Sea Snake Clickable
© GeraldRobertFischer - Stock.Adobe.Com
Beaked Sea Snake gallery photo
© K. B. - Stock.Adobe.Com
© scubaluna - Stock.Adobe.Com