Olive-headed sea snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olive-headed sea snake |
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The olive-headed sea snake (Hydrophis major) is also known as the greater sea snake. It is a type of sea snake that lives in the ocean. This snake is venomous, meaning it can inject venom. It belongs to the Elapidae family, which includes many well-known venomous snakes.
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Where Does the Olive-Headed Sea Snake Live?
This sea snake makes its home in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean. You can also find it in the western central Pacific Ocean. It swims in the waters near southern New Guinea and New Caledonia. It is also found off the coast of Australia. In Australia, it lives near New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia.
What Does the Olive-Headed Sea Snake Look Like?
The olive-headed sea snake has a special look. Its back is usually yellowish or light brownish. It has darker brown or black stripes, called crossbars, across its body. These stripes might all be the same width, or they might be wide and narrow in turns.
The underside of the snake is white. It might have small dark brown spots there.
Size of the Snake
Adult olive-headed sea snakes can grow to be quite long. They can reach a total length of about 105 cm (3 ft 5+3⁄8 in). Their tail alone can be around 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in) long.
Snake Scales and Body
The scales on its back overlap, like roof tiles. On its neck, these scales are quite rough. On its body, they are a bit smoother. There are many rows of scales around its neck and middle body.
The snake has a head that is a medium size. Its body is strong and thick. Its snout is about as wide as it is deep. It has specific scales around its eyes and mouth that help scientists identify it.
