HABITS OF SEA SNAKES. 



157 



All are highly venomous and inhabit the ocean, except a single 

 species {Distira scmperi), which is only found in a fresh-water 

 lake at Luzon, in the Philippines. 



The Sea Snakes can bq distinguished from all other snakes by 

 the flattened oar-like tail, which is used as a rudder and propeller, 

 for they have no fins. 



Sea Snakes shed their skins very frequently, but the old skin 



Fig. 66. — Skulls and poison fangs of Black and Yellow Sea Snakes {Hydrus platurus). There 

 are two fangs in each jaw (Brit. Mus. Cat. Snakes.) 



peels off in pieces, and does not come away entire, as is the case 

 with their terrestrial cousins. 



Habits of Sea Snakes. 



Although living in the water, they breathe air. Their nostrils 

 are situated on the top of the snout. Most species are brilliantly 

 and beautifully coloured. Their food is fish and other marine 

 creatures. Although most species are helpless, and perish if cast 



