Any of various venomous tropical snakes of the family Hydrophidae that are adapted to living in the sea, especially in the Pacific and Indian oceans, and that bear live offspring. Any of some 50 species (family Hydrophiidae) of venomous, marine snakes with an oarlike tail and flattened body. Most are found along coasts and in estuaries of Australia and Asia, sometimes basking on the surface in a large group, though the yellow-bellied, or pelagic, sea snake ranges throughout the Pacific. The nostrils, usually on top of the snout, have valvelike closings. The body of several species is much thicker than the head and neck. Most species are 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) long; Laticauda semifasciata, a Japanese delicacy, may be twice as long. Though generally slow to strike, their venom may be lethal
any of numerous venomous aquatic viviparous snakes having a fin-like tail; of warm littoral seas; feed on fish which they immobilize with quick-acting venom
Any one of many species of venomous aquatic snakes of the family Hydrophidæ, having a flattened tail and living entirely in the sea, especially in the warmer parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans