Belcher's Sea Snake

Marine elapid with highly potent venom, though human bites are uncommon due to limited contact.

FamilyElapidae

GenusHydrophis

RegionAsiaIndian Ocean, Southeast Asia

Photo: Michiel Vaartjes · Source: GBIF · License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Belcher's Sea Snake

Photo: Michiel Vaartjes · Source: GBIF · License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Belcher's Sea Snake

Danger Score

Final Danger Score

Venom Core

Lethality weighted 55% (potency × yield). Clinical weighted 45% (real-world CFR).

0.55 × 31 + 0.45 × 6747.2

Modifiers

Multiplicative scalers - amplify or reduce existing danger, can't create it from nothing.

× Speed (1.01)47.7

× Delivery (1.00)47.7

× Encounter (0.78)37.2

Speed = antivenom window. Delivery = fang efficiency. Encounter = exposure × temperament.

Score37

Venom Profile

Type

NeurotoxicAffects the nervous system; disrupts nerve-muscle communication and can cause paralysis or respiratory failure.,MyotoxicDamages muscle tissue, causing myonecrosis (muscle death) and contributing to long-term morbidity.

Venom Yield

Very Low

Venom Speed

Quick

Delivery Method

Fixed front fangs

Potency (SC Equivalent)

0.720mg/kg LD50

Max Dry Yield

6mg dry

Clinical Severity

Fatality (Untreated)

10-25%

WHO Importance

Cat. 2

Local Effects

Pain at bite site

Neurological

Weakness or drowsiness, Paralysis, Difficulty breathing

Muscle

Muscle breakdown, Dark urine

Causes of Death

Respiratory failure, Kidney failure