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Hydrophis melanocephalus

Sea snakes are noted descendants from Australian land snakes, evolving into aquatic reptiles. Sea snakes are confined to the tropical oceans, notably the Indian and western Pacific ocean, and 32 species have been found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. They are reasonably large, but seldom exceeding a length of seven feet. Although not inclined to bite unless provoked, their venom tends to be more toxic than venom from land snakes, making them possibly the most dangerous of all animals. Most sea snakes can produce 10-15 milligrams of venom at a time, with a fatal dose being about 1.5 mg! Fortunately, anti-venom is readily available that can be used against all sea snake venoms, so human fatalities rarely occur.

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