Is the Small-headed Sea Snake venomous?

Yes. The Small-headed Sea Snake (Hydrophis macdowelli) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (cobra, mamba, coral or sea snake). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.

Is the Small-headed Sea Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Small-headed Sea Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.

Where does the Small-headed Sea Snake live?

The Small-headed Sea Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Australia, New Caledonia, Indonesia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Elapidae

Small-headed Sea Snake

Venomous

Hydrophis macdowelli

The Small-headed Sea Snake (Hydrophis macdowelli) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 3 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family: Elapidae
Danger: high

About the Small-headed Sea Snake

The small-headed sea snake (Hydrophis macdowelli), also known commonly as McDowell's sea snake, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Hydrophiinae of the family Elapidae. The species is native to waters off northern Australia.

Etymology

The specific name, macdowelli, is in honor of American herpetologist Samuel Booker McDowell Jr.

Geographic distribution

Hydrophis macdowelli is found along the northern coast of Australia, the south central coast of Papua New Guinea, the Loyalty Islands, and New Caledonia.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Hydrophis macdowelli is shallow ocean waters with sandy bottoms, at depths of not more than 26 m (85 ft).

Description

As one of its common names implies, Hydrophis macdowelli has a small head in relation to its body size. The species grows to a total length (tail included) of up to 1 metre (39 inches).

Diet

Hydrophis macdowelli preys upon eels and other elongate fishes.

Reproduction

Hydrophis macdowelli is ovoviviparous. Litter size is 2–3 young.

Venom

Hydrophis macdowelli possesses a powerful venom, and its bite is dangerous to humans.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Small-headed Sea Snake

Is the Small-headed Sea Snake venomous?: Yes. The Small-headed Sea Snake (Hydrophis macdowelli) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (cobra, mamba, coral or sea snake). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Small-headed Sea Snake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Small-headed Sea Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Small-headed Sea Snake dangerous?: This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Small-headed Sea Snake live?: The Small-headed Sea Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Australia, New Caledonia, Indonesia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Small-headed Sea Snake eat?: Hydrophis macdowelli preys upon eels and other elongate fishes.
Why is it called the Small-headed Sea Snake?: The specific name, macdowelli, is in honor of American herpetologist Samuel Booker McDowell Jr.

If you are bitten by the Small-headed Sea Snake

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Australia New Caledonia Indonesia

More Elapidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards: Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits: Elapidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species: Hydrophis
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Hydrophis macdowelli

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.