Yellow sea snake (Hydrophis spiralis )
Family Hydrophiidae

Description: 220cm or more in length. Relatively less bulky than the Arabian Gulf sea snake, though much larger overall. Colour pattern very conspicuous yellow with black bands along the length of the body. Top of the upper jaw often fringed with reddish brown scales. Undersides pale. Laterally flattened tail, diagnostic of all sea snakes.

Habitat: Warm, shallow waters over reefs, seagrass or sand.

Range: Throughout the UAE, including the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, but restricted to shallow water.

Comments: The yellow sea snake is perhaps an exception to the generally docile nature of sea snakes and is reputably aggressive. It is large and dangerous, the bite potentially fatal.