Elapidae

About the Elapidae family

Elapids carry short, fixed fangs at the front of the mouth and include many of the planet's deadliest snakes: cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes, taipans, death adders, and the fully marine sea snakes. Most are slender and fast, and their venom is largely neurotoxic, attacking the nervous system and, in serious bites, breathing.

Where they live

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with Australia's snake fauna dominated by elapids and sea snakes filling warm coastal seas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

How to recognize one

Usually slender with a head barely wider than the neck and fixed front fangs (not the folding fangs of vipers). Coral snakes are boldly ringed; sea snakes have a flattened, paddle-like tail.

Danger to people

All elapids are venomous and the family is responsible for a large share of fatal snakebites worldwide. Many are shy, but bites can be life-threatening. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.