Sea snakes are a type of reptile that can be found in warm ocean waters around the world. Unlike other reptiles that breathe air sea snakes have developed a special ability to extract oxygen from the water around them. This adaptation is possible due to a number of special anatomical features that sea snakes possess.
One of the most important features for oxygen extraction is the sea snake’s large lung capacity. The average sea snake has a lung capacity that is about 10 times greater than that of a terrestrial snake of the same size. This allows them to stay submerged for long periods of time without needing to surface for air.
In addition to their large lungs sea snakes have specialised nostrils that close when they are submerged. This prevents water from entering their lungs and helps them to avoid drowning. Instead oxygen is taken in through the skin.
The skin of a sea snake is very thin and permeable allowing oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream. This process is helped by the fact that sea snakes often have a large surface area in comparison to their volume. This allows them to absorb more oxygen from the water around them.
Sea snakes are able to stay submerged for long periods of time due to their specialised anatomy. Their large lungs and thin permeable skin allow them to take in oxygen from the water around them keeping them healthy and able to live in their ocean homes.
How do sea snakes breathe?
Sea snakes have specialised organs that allow them to absorb oxygen from the water directly through their skin.
Where do sea snakes live?
Most sea snakes live in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans however there are a few species that live in the Atlantic and Mediterranean as well.
How do sea snakes move?
Sea snakes prop themselves up using their strong belly muscles and paddle with their side fins.
What do sea snakes eat?
Sea snakes mostly feed on small fish however some species will also eat eels shrimp and crab.
How big do sea snakes get?
The average sea snake is about 3-4 feet long however the longest recorded sea snake was over 18 feet long!
Are sea snakes dangerous to humans?
While most sea snakes are venomous their bites are usually not fatal to humans.
In fact there are only a handful of recorded deaths from sea snake bites.
How do sea snakes venomous?
Sea snakes have specialised venom glands that are connected to their fangs.
When they bite their prey the venom is injected through the fangs and into the bloodstream.
What is the difference between a sea snake and a land snake?
The main difference between a sea snake and a land snake is that sea snakes have flattened tails that help them to swim while land snakes have round tails that help them to move on land.
How long do sea snakes live?
The average lifespan of a sea snake is about 5-10 years however some species can live up to 20 years.
How do baby sea snakes hatch?
Baby sea snakes hatch from eggs that are laid on land usually in a protected area such as a beach or a cave.
How often do sea snakes shed their skin?
Most sea snakes shed their skin about once a month however some species can shed as often as once a week.
Do sea snakes have scales?
Yes all snakes have scales that help to protect their skin from the environment.
What is the scientific name for a sea snake?
The scientific name for a sea snake is Hydrophiinae.
What is the average size of a sea snake?
The average size of a sea snake is about 3-4 feet long.
What is the difference between a sea snake and a sea turtle?
The main difference between a sea snake and a sea turtle is that sea snakes are reptiles and sea turtles are amphibians.
