BEAKED SEA SNAKE Hydrophis zweifeli

All 31 Australian sea snakes are venomous, but most are docile – with the exception of the beaked sea snake. With an LD of 50 0.164, its venom contains a highly toxic dose of nerve and muscle toxins. A single bite can result in paralysis and muscle damage within six hours and delivers enough venom (7.9– 9mg) to kill a number of human adults. Previously thought to be one species, it is now considered to be two: one from Asia and one from Australia. Fortunately, the antivenom for the Asian snake works on both.