© Moritz Lino
Sea Snake on the beach
Maybe a Beaked Sea Snake All sea snakes discovered so far are venomous and produce some of the most dangerous venoms known in the animal kingdom but most species are considered to be non-aggressive. Sea snakes belong to the group of animals called Reptiles. They have specialized flattened, paddle-like tails for swimming and have valves over their nostrils which close underwater. As they breathe air using a large lung not gills, they are usually found in shallow water where they swim about the bottom. The lung, which can extends almost the entire length of the body, can also help with buoyancy to store air for dives. Most sea snakes can also take in oxygen through their skin. A special gland under their tongue concentrates and excretes excess salt water from their body. Their body is shaped like the keel of a boat. Many species have regular bands or rings of colour around the body. These are for camouflage, and perhaps to show that they are very poisonous or nasty tasting. - Marine Education Society
Photo taken on 4 May 2019