Yellow-bellied Seasnake

Pelamis platura

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Our only true sea snake, and then here only by accident. Adult at 2-3 ½’ long. Usually black above and yellow below but rarely all yellow. Elongate snout and a vertically flattened black and yellow patterned oar-like tail. Adept in traversing the currents and slicks, helpless if washed onto land. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are like adults in appearance.

 

Unique Features:

Our only side-to-side flattened sea-going snake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Pacific Ocean currents. Abundant in Mexico and Central America. Prey on small fish.

 

Geographic Range:

CA,