Dubois’ Sea Snake

Identification and appearance

AFMA’s guide shows uniform-brown and pale cream/salmon forms with dark cross-bands. Do not approach a sea snake to improve a photograph; AROD rates this species as dangerously venomous.

Other names

Reef Shallows Sea Snake

Typical length

AROD reports an older total-length maximum of 120 cm. A 2025 study measured coastal Western Australian specimens to 134 cm snout–vent length; total length was not converted, so no current total-length maximum is entered.

Key identification features

• Marine snake recorded in northern Australian waters
• AFMA illustrates both uniform-brown and pale banded forms
• A brief surface sighting cannot establish identity

Where it is found

Northern Australian marine waters, with the source describing occurrence from Australia to New Guinea and New Caledonia. AROD lists Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia; the Reptile Database also lists New South Wales.

Habitat

In New Caledonia, it uses sandy and silty seabeds with seaweed, sponges and corals that can provide shelter.

Diet

In New Caledonia, it stalks bottom-dwelling fish along the seabed.

Reproduction

Live-bearing.

Medical significance

A bite from a sea snake can be life-threatening. Treat any suspected bite as an emergency and do not use a website result to judge risk.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep clear in the water or on shore. Do not catch, touch or approach for a photograph. For any suspected bite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

Similar-looking snakes

Taxonomy notes

Published accounts differ on its occurrence in New South Wales; the basis of that record remains uncertain.