The poisonous sea snake species was discovered in the Gulf of Oman
(Mirror Daily, United States) Researchers have recently announced the presence of a poisonous sea snake species in Iranian waters. The snake, commonly known as Günther’s sea snake, was spotted in the Gulf of Oman. Specialists explain that this is not where the species is naturally found. This is the first time when an individual was caught in the Iranian waters, which are located about four hundred kilometers away from the snake’s rightfully home.
The reporting of the poisonous sea snake species got scientists to extend their research. They are now investigating both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf in search of signs of snakes. They explain that the species is highly dangerous because of its venom.
A team of French and Iranian specialists is in charge of the surveillance of the waters in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. For the time being, they have only found one adult Günther’s sea snake.
Günther’s sea snake received this popular name because of biologist Albert Günther, who first discovered the species back in 1864. However, it is scientifically called Microcephalophis cantoris.
The sight of Günther’s sea snake is highly important for researchers as the species is rarely seen. They describe it as having small heads and extremely long bodies. They have scales on their bodies, and the color ranges from yellowish to olive. Females are larger than males, as specialists say.
The usual habitat of this extremely poisonous sea snake species is restricted to the Indian Ocean. The individuals don’t venture at sea, but keep close on the shores. They are common in parts of the Malay Peninsula.
Günther’s sea snakes are also famous for being a viviparous species. This means that they give birth to live babies rather than lay eggs.
Statistics show that there are sixty species of venomous sea snakes in the world. Most of them live in warm waters at the Tropics. As far as the Iranian waters are concerned, there are other poisonous snake species which populate them. The sight of the Günther’s sea snake is, however, a rare event.
Officials at the International Union for Conservation of Nature are thinking about introducing this poisonous sea snake species on their Red List. The act is concerned with threatened and critically endangered species.
Image courtesy of: Wikipedia