Ijima's sea snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ijima's sea snake |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Emydocephalus |
| Species: |
E. ijimae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Emydocephalus ijimae Stejneger, 1898
|
|
| Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist. | |
Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".
The Ijima's sea snake (also known as the turtlehead sea snake) is a special kind of venomous snake. Its scientific name is Emydocephalus ijimae. This snake lives in the shallow ocean waters of East Asia, especially in the north-western Pacific Ocean. It's unique because it only eats the eggs of coral reef fish! This makes it a super important part of keeping coral reefs healthy.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name, ijimae, was given to honor a Japanese scientist named Isao Ijima. He was a zoologist, which means he studied animals.
Where Do They Live?
You can find the Ijima's sea snake living near the coasts of several countries in Asia. These include China, Japan (especially around the Ryukyu Islands), and Taiwan. They prefer the shallow waters close to the shore.
How They Grow
Ijima's sea snakes show something called sexual size dimorphism. This means that males and females grow to different sizes.
Female snakes are usually larger than males. Females can grow to be over 80 centimeters (about 31 inches) long. Males are typically shorter, usually less than 75 centimeters (about 29 inches). Females also weigh more, from about 170 to 600 grams (6 to 21 ounces). Males weigh less, from about 70 to 350 grams (2.5 to 12 ounces).
Baby Ijima's sea snakes are born about 26 to 34 centimeters (10 to 13 inches) long. Young females grow a bit faster than young males. Both male and female snakes become adults and can have their own babies when they are about 19 to 28 months old.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Ijima's sea snakes are viviparous. This means they give birth to live young, instead of laying eggs. The baby snakes develop inside the mother's body until they are ready to be born.
Young snakes start having their own babies when they are about two or three years old. Scientists think these snakes are "income breeders." This means they use the energy from the food they eat right away to help produce their offspring.
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
