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,