Hydrophiinae

Definition

Hydrophiinae is a subfamily of venomous sea snakes found predominantly in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These snakes are well adapted to a marine lifestyle, with features such as laterally flattened tails for efficient swimming, specialized salt glands for osmoregulation, and a body shape that aids in their aquatic hunting and foraging behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hydrophiinae includes about 70 species of sea snakes that have evolved from terrestrial ancestors to become fully adapted to life in the ocean.
2. These snakes can be found in a variety of marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and open ocean environments.
3. Most sea snakes within this subfamily are highly specialized for an aquatic life, having developed lungs that can hold more air than those of terrestrial snakes, allowing them to stay submerged longer.
4. Hydrophiinae possess venom that is primarily neurotoxic, which allows them to effectively immobilize prey such as fish and eels quickly.
5. While they are capable of delivering a potent bite, sea snakes are generally not aggressive towards humans and often prefer to flee when threatened.

Review Questions

• What adaptations do Hydrophiinae exhibit that enable them to thrive in marine environments?
  • Hydrophiinae have several adaptations that help them survive in marine environments. Their bodies are streamlined with laterally flattened tails that enhance their swimming abilities. They also possess specialized salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt absorbed from seawater, helping them maintain osmotic balance. Additionally, their lungs are adapted to hold a larger volume of air, allowing them to remain underwater for extended periods while hunting or evading predators.
• Discuss the significance of venom in Hydrophiinae and its role in their predatory behavior.
  • The venom of Hydrophiinae plays a crucial role in their ability to capture prey effectively. This neurotoxic venom quickly immobilizes fish and eels, making it easier for the snakes to consume their meals. The potency of their venom allows them to hunt actively in diverse marine environments where competition for food can be fierce. By incapacitating prey swiftly, these sea snakes can ensure they maximize their feeding efficiency and overall survival in the ocean.
• Evaluate the ecological role of Hydrophiinae in marine ecosystems and how their presence impacts biodiversity.
  • Hydrophiinae play an important ecological role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey. By controlling fish populations through predation, they contribute to the balance within marine food webs. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity as they target various species of fish and eels, preventing any one species from becoming overly dominant. Furthermore, as prey for larger marine animals like sharks and birds, sea snakes contribute to energy transfer within the ecosystem. The health of Hydrophiinae populations can also serve as an indicator of ocean health, highlighting the impact of environmental changes on marine biodiversity.

Related terms

Elapidae: The family of snakes that includes all elapids, such as cobras, mambas, and sea snakes, characterized by their fixed front fangs and potent venom.

Osmoregulation: The process by which organisms regulate the balance of water and electrolytes in their bodies to maintain homeostasis, particularly crucial for marine species.

Viviparous: A reproductive strategy where the young develop inside the mother's body and are born live, which is common among many species of sea snakes.