From A Different View

Deadly Pacific Sea Snakes

One of a series of photographs from "another perspective"

Using a custom-built aquarium at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, photographer Carl Hansen got this close-up view of deadly Yellow Bellied Sea Snakes (Pelamis platurus). Captured for study by STRI scientists, they have the most toxic venom of any snake. There is no known antivenom for their bite.


(Smithsonian Photo by Carl Hansen)

"Fortunately," says Hansen, "these snakes are not aggressive and rarely try to bite even if handled. They are highly modified for life in the open Pacific Ocean and are unable to crawl on land. They can often be seen floating along drift lines on the surface, but spend much of their time in deep dives."

Copyright 1996 Smithsonian Institution