Читать книгу Diving Indonesia Periplus Adventure Guid онлайн

144 страница из 170

Sea snakes can be seen underwater poking their small heads into cracks and crevices, searching for small fish and crustaceans. The head of a sea snake is often difficult to distinguish from the tail as both are blunt, although the head is always smaller, and the tail is laterally flattened to aid in swimming.

Sea snakes are equipped with extremely toxic venom which can be delivered through two short fangs on the upper jaw. The venom is used to subdue prey such as spiny fish or moray eels, which could cause the snake considerable damage if not killed very quickly. Since fish are quite resistant to most toxins, it is not surprising that sea snake venom is so strong.

Sea snakes are rarely aggressive towards divers, however, and unprovoked attacks are virtually unknown. They are sometimes inquisitive however, and may inspect a diver.

The grey-and-black banded colubrine or amphibious sea snake (Laticauida colubrina) is common in Indonesia This animal—collected in huge numbers in the Philippines for its skin—It is an inoffensive creature, and slow to anger. Guides often catch the animals for their clients to pose with We don't suggest you try this, however.