Homalopsidae
Richardson’s Mangrove Snake
Myron richardsonii
A small grey-brown mangrove snake with pale flecking, found in coastal and tidal waters of northern Australia and New Guinea. Its Australian range remains unresolved between the checked sources.
Weakly venomous
Identification and appearance
A small grey-brown snake with lighter irregular flecks, associated with coastal and tidal river habitats.
Typical length
AROD lists a species average of about 40 cm and a separately reported maximum of 60 cm.
Key identification features
- Grey-brown upperparts.
- Lighter irregular flecks.
- Coastal and tidal river association.
Where it is found
Northern Australian coastal and tidal waters. Sources list NT and WA; Queensland remains a reported but unresolved extension in the accounts reviewed.
Diet
Fishes.
Reproduction
Live-bearing.
Medical significance
For any suspected snakebite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid. Do not wait for identification.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep well clear and leave a route towards cover. Do not chase, corner, handle or inspect it. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake remover.
Similar-looking snakes
Photo: garywwilson · CC BY 4.0 (Licence)
Acrochordidae
Arafura File Snake
Acrochordus arafurae
The Arafura File Snake is an aquatic northern Australian snake with loose skin and a dark, mesh-like pattern. It lives mainly in freshwater streams and billabongs but also enters estuaries and the sea.
Open identification guide
Photo: Richard Ling · CC BY-SA 2.0 (Licence)
Elapidae
Olive Sea Snake
Aipysurus laevis
A robust marine snake whose colour changes with age. Adults may be creamy-yellow or golden-brown; younger animals can have pale bands on a dark body.
Open identification guideTaxonomy notes
AROD lists Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, while the current Reptile Database treatment gives Australian NT/WA. Queensland is retained as an unresolved source conflict pending the primary revision.
Sources checked
Still not sure?
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.