Spectacled sea snake

The spectacled sea snake (Hydrophis kingii), also known commonly as King's sea snake, is species of venomous sea snake in the family Elapidae.^[1][2] The species is native to waters off northern Australia and the southern coast of New Guinea.^[1][3]

Spectacled sea snake
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Hydrophis
Species:	H. kingii
Binomial name
Hydrophis kingii Boulenger, 1896
Synonyms[2]
Disteira kingii (Boulenger, 1896)

Etymology

The specific name, kingii, is in honor of Australian marine surveyor Philip Parker King.^[4]

Description

H. kingii usually attains a total length (including tail) of not more than 1.9 m (6.2 ft). The head is black, and a there is a white ring around the eye. The anterior chin shields are in contact with the mental groove. The dorsal scales are keeled, and overlapping.^[5]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of H. kingii is marine waters, to a depth of 22 m (72 ft), with a muddy or sandy bottom.^[1]

Diet

H. kingii preys upon small fishes.^[1]

Reproduction

H. kingii is ovoviviparous.^[2]

Venom

H. kingii is dangerously venomous.^[5]