Is the Spectacled Sea Snake venomous?

Yes. The Spectacled Sea Snake (Hydrophis kingii) 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 Spectacled Sea Snake poisonous?

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

Where does the Spectacled Sea Snake live?

The Spectacled Sea Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Elapidae

Spectacled Sea Snake

Venomous

Hydrophis kingii

The Spectacled Sea Snake (Hydrophis kingii) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 2 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 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. The species is native to waters off northern Australia and the southern coast of New Guinea.

Etymology

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

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.

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.

Diet

H. kingii preys upon small fishes.

Reproduction

H. kingii is ovoviviparous.

Venom

H. kingii is dangerously venomous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Spectacled Sea Snake

Is the Spectacled Sea Snake venomous?: Yes. The Spectacled Sea Snake (Hydrophis kingii) 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 Spectacled Sea Snake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Spectacled Sea Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Spectacled 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 Spectacled Sea Snake live?: The Spectacled Sea Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Spectacled Sea Snake eat?: H. kingii preys upon small fishes.
Why is it called the Spectacled Sea Snake?: The specific name, kingii, is in honor of Australian marine surveyor Philip Parker King.

If you are bitten by the Spectacled 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 Papua New Guinea

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 kingii

Keep learning

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