What is Hydrus or sea snake?
Classification:
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Genus: Hydrus
Habitat: It is a marine snake, commonly found in Indian and Pacific Ocean. It is commonly called Sea snakeHydrophiinae is a subfamily of venomous snakes in the family Elapidae. It contains most sea snakes and many genera of venomous land snakes found in Australasia, such as the taipans, tiger snakes, brown snakes and death adress.
Habits:
(i) It swims with the help of laterally compressed ear-like tail.
(ii) It is carnivorous and feeds on small fishes.
(iii) Sexes are unisexual or dioecious. Fertilization is internal. Female is viviparous. Development is direct.
External
(i) Body is long and laterally compressed. It has cross-bars on the body.
(ii) Head is covered by large shields and has small eyes with rounded pupil and nares on the upper surface.
(iii) Trunk is covered by hexagonal scales while tail is car-like
Economic importance: (i)It is a poisonous snake and dangerous to human. Its venom is neurotoxic.
(ii)Snakes provide entertainment in zoos and as pets
(iii)Live snakes are in great demand and are purchased for various purposes like venom extraction and other requirements.
(iv)These are even exported to foreign.
Hydrus or sea snake body parts:
