Dusky Sea Snake

Identification and appearance

A dark reef specialist with a moderately robust body, a large narrow head and a paddle-shaped tail. The Australian Government consultation draft describes a usually dark-brown to purple-brown snake, sometimes with faint lower-flank bands.

Other names

Timor Reef Sea Snake

Typical length

The Australian Government consultation draft reports an average size of about 0.9 m and a recorded maximum of 1.1 m.

Body build

robust

Head appearance

large, narrow head

Key identification features

• Marine reef-associated snake
• Dark brown to purple-brown colour forms are reported
• Australian range is very restricted

Where it is found

The cited 2023 assessment records Scott Reef, Seringapatam Reef and Heywood Shoal. It distinguishes historical Ashmore, Cartier and Hibernia records, where the species had not been detected since 2005. These offshore records do not imply occurrence along the entire WA coast.

Activity

Marine and reef-associated; it may rest or forage on the seafloor.

Diet

Fish and occasionally fish eggs.

Reproduction

Live-bearing; reproduction takes place in the marine environment.

Medical significance

A bite may cause serious envenoming. Treat any suspected bite as an emergency, call 000 and do not wait for identification.

What to do if you encounter one

Give the snake space in the water or on shore. Do not catch, handle or approach it for a closer photograph.