Northern mangrove seasnake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern mangrove seasnake |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Parahydrophis
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| Species: |
mertoni
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| Synonyms | |
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The northern mangrove seasnake (Parahydrophis mertoni) is a type of venomous snake that lives in the sea. It is also known as the Arafura smooth seasnake. This snake belongs to a group of snakes called Elapidae, which includes many well-known venomous snakes.
This special snake is found only in certain parts of Australia and New Guinea. When an animal is found only in one specific area, it is called endemic.
About the Name
The second part of the snake's scientific name, mertoni, was chosen to honor a German zoologist named Hugo Merton. Zoologists are scientists who study animals.
Where It Lives
The northern mangrove seasnake lives in the waters around Northern Australia. You can find it in the Northern Territory and Queensland. It also lives near New Guinea in a large body of water called the Arafura Sea.
What It Looks Like
This seasnake has a unique look. Its body is a dark blackish-olive color. It has about 46 bright yellow rings around its body and ten more yellow rings on its tail.
The top of its head has yellow spots. However, the scales around its mouth and nose are black.
Reproduction
The northern mangrove seasnake is a viviparous animal. This means that instead of laying eggs, the mother snake gives birth to live baby snakes.
