One of the Ocean’s Rarest Serpents
Jerdon’s sea snake (Hydrophis jerdoni) is a relatively little-known species of elapid sea snake found in the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Named after the 19th-century British naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon, it is one of the less frequently encountered sea snake species and has been the subject of comparatively little scientific study relative to more common species like the banded sea krait or beaked sea snake.
Range and Habitat
Jerdon’s sea snake is found in the northern Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Thailand, and coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and reef-associated environments, typically at depths of less than 30 meters. Like most sea snakes, it is restricted to warm tropical waters and does not venture into cooler temperate seas.
Physical Description
Jerdon’s sea snake has the classic sea snake body plan — a laterally compressed, paddle-like tail for swimming, a streamlined body, and valved nostrils on the top of the snout. Adults typically reach 60–100 cm in length. Coloration is typically gray or olive with darker banding, though color patterns vary across the species’ range.
Venom
Like all members of the genus Hydrophis, Jerdon’s sea snake is venomous, with neurotoxic venom typical of sea snakes. However, sea snake bites on humans are rare — the snakes are not aggressive, their mouths are small, and their fangs are positioned far back in the jaw. The primary risk of envenomation is to fishermen who handle sea snakes caught incidentally in fishing nets.
Antivenom for sea snake envenomation is available in most countries within the species’ range. Untreated severe envenomation can cause myotoxicity (muscle breakdown) and renal failure, but fatalities are rare with prompt medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jerdon’s sea snake dangerous to humans?
It is venomous but not considered aggressive. Bites are rare and typically occur when fishermen accidentally handle the animal. With prompt medical treatment, outcomes are generally good.
Where can Jerdon’s sea snake be found?
In shallow coastal waters of the northern Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, including the coasts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and surrounding regions.