Yellow-bellied sea snake
(Pelamis platurus )
Family Hydrophiidae

Description: Generally less than 90cm in length. The upper surface along the back is uniform brown (often very dark), sides and undersides pale yellow and the tail black with a bold yellow diamond shaped pattern. The head is small and narrow and bares the pattern of the rest of the body, dark above, pale below. The eye is relatively large compared with other species. Laterally flattened tail, diagnostic of all sea snakes.

Habitat: Unlike all other species of sea snake in the UAE, this species prefers deeper water.

Range: Throughout the UAE in deeper, offshore water, particularly in the Gulf of Oman.

Comments: This species' colour pattern is unique and not easily mistaken for any other species. Like all of the other sea snakes it is dangerous and the bite is potentially lethal. Look out for it along distinct surface current lines over deep water where it has often been observed.