Appendix E

DESCRIPTIONS OF VENOMOUS SNAKES

LATICAUDIDAE AND HYDROPHIDAE

E-26. A subfamily of elapidae, these snakes are specialized in that they found a better environment in the oceans. Why they are in the oceans is not clear to scientists.

E-27. Sea snakes differ in appearance from other snakes in that they have an oarlike tail to aid in swimming. Some species of sea
nakes have venom several times more toxic than the cobra's. Because of their marine environment, sea snakes seldom come in contact with humans. The exceptions are fisherman who capture these dangerous snakes in fishnets and scuba divers who swim in waters where sea snakes are found.

E-28. There are many species of sea snakes. They vary greatly in color and shape. Their scales distinguish them from eels that have no scales.

E-29. Sea snakes occur in salt water along the coasts throughout the Pacific. There are also sea snakes on the east coast of
Africa and in the Persian Gulf. There are no sea snakes in the Atlantic Ocean.

E-30. There is no need to fear sea snakes. They have not been known to attack a man swimming. Fishermen occasionally get bitten by a sea snake caught in a net. The bite is dangerous.