<P> The belcher's sea snake is of moderate size, ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter (about 20 - 40 inches) in adult length . Its thin body is usually chrome yellowish in colour with dark greenish crossbands . The dorsal pattern does not extend onto the venter . The head is short and has bands of the same colours . Its mouth is very small but suitable for aquatic life . Its body when viewed out of water appears to have a faint yellow colour . Its scales are different from most other snakes in that they overlap each other . Each dorsal scale has a central tubercle . The body is strongly laterally compressed posteriorly . The ventral scales are very narrow, only slightly wider than the dorsal scales . </P> <P> Like other sea snakes, it has a paddle - like tail which makes it an expert swimmer, and it rarely goes on land . It eats fish and shellfish . It breathes air, and has valves over its nostrils that close underwater . It can hold its breath for as long as 7 to 8 hours while hunting and even sleeping, but then has to surface for a quick breath of air . It is generally docile and not aggressive . It may deliver a provoked bite only after repeated severe treatment . It usually bites fishermen handling nets, but only 25% of those bitten are envenomed . </P> <P> Indian Ocean (Philippines: Visayan area, Panay; New Guinea), Gulf of Thailand, Australia (North Territory?, Queensland?), Solomon Islands (McCoy 2000). Especially around the Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea off northwest Australia . Also New Caledonia </P> <P> This species was first described and named by John Edward Gray in 1849 . </P>

Where does the belcher's sea snake live