This two-colored blue-black snake can cause human fatalities with just a small bite.
Sea snakes are a group of venomous snakes that inhabit marine environments, characterized by a laterally flattened body similar to that of eels. They do not have gills and must frequently surface to breathe.
Sea snakes are commonly found in warm coastal waters from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, and most of them are highly venomous. Among them, the Belcher’s sea snake is known as the most venomous species in the world.
Belcher’s sea snake is related to terrestrial cobras.
The primary diet of Belcher’s sea snake consists of catfish, pufferfish, or occasionally squid. They are easily recognizable by their distinct colors: black and white stripes or sometimes blue-black.
The reason Belcher’s sea snake is dubbed the “most venomous in the world” is that just a few milligrams of their venom can be lethal to thousands of people. They can cause fatalities with a single bite.
Victims bitten by Belcher’s sea snake do not feel immediate pain. However, symptoms will manifest approximately four hours after the venom enters the body, leading to death. Fishermen are often the victims of this snake, as they frequently get tangled in their fishing nets.
Additionally, unexpected encounters with sea snakes are common since they often surface to breathe.
Close-up of a Belcher’s sea snake hunting.
Despite the dangers, many people are willing to catch Belcher’s sea snakes barehanded due to their high economic value.
A young Belcher’s sea snake can fit comfortably in the palm of a person’s hand.
