The Aipysurus laevis, commonly recognized as the Olive Sea Snake or Golden Sea Snake, is a venomous marine reptile inhabiting the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This snake is fully aquatic, spending its entire life cycle in marine environments. This widespread species is a prominent resident of warm coastal waters.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
The Olive Sea Snake exhibits a robust body, measuring between 1 to 2 meters in length. Its body is covered in smooth scales and displays a coloration ranging from olive-brown to purplish-brown on its upper surfaces, often with a paler, cream-colored belly. Its flattened, paddle-like tail provides efficient propulsion through the water.
This species prefers shallow, coastal waters, thriving in and around coral reefs, rocky shores, and tidal flats. While it is found at depths of 10 to 40 meters, it can inhabit waters as deep as 80 meters. Its geographic distribution spans the tropical eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, extending from Indonesia to New Caledonia, and is abundant in the waters surrounding northern Australia and New Guinea, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Timor Sea.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
The Olive Sea Snake is an active predator, primarily feeding on small fish, fish eggs, and crustaceans such as prawns and crabs. It consumes reef fish species, including small snappers, gobies, and catfish. This nocturnal feeder forages through coral crevices and under rocks on the seafloor.
The snake uses its slender neck and head to probe for hidden prey within these tight spaces, leveraging its excellent eyesight to subdue its targets. It also consumes fish eggs by locating clutches hidden among the reef. This feeding behavior positions the Olive Sea Snake as an important component within the coral reef ecosystem.
Venom and Human Interaction
The Olive Sea Snake possesses potent venom, composed of neurotoxins and myotoxins. This venom is utilized for quickly incapacitating its fast-moving aquatic prey, affecting their locomotory and ventilatory systems. Despite its venom, the species is considered placid and non-aggressive towards humans.
Bites on humans are infrequent and occur when the snake is provoked, cornered, or accidentally entangled in fishing nets. While they may exhibit curiosity toward divers, they seldom display hostile behavior. Their docile nature means they present minimal danger to divers who maintain a respectful distance.
Reproduction and Conservation
The Olive Sea Snake is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young directly in the water, rather than laying eggs. Females produce one to eight offspring, with three to six young per birth. The young are born well-developed and receive no parental care.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Olive Sea Snake as a species of Least Concern. Despite this stable global status, local populations can face threats. Concerns include accidental capture as bycatch in commercial fishing trawlers and the degradation of their coral reef habitats.