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Discover the magnificent species of sharks that you may encounter in the Andaman Sea.

11/7/2023

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Discover the magnificent species of sharks that you may encounter in the Andaman Sea.
The Andaman Sea in Thailand and Myanmar is a paradise for divers enthusiasts, boasting a diverse ecosystem that is home to an array of captivating marine life. Among the majestic creatures that roam these waters, sharks hold a special place in the hearts of many... 
​

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of sharks that you can encounter in the Andaman Sea...

9 species of sharks we most often encounter in the Andaman Sea

1. Leopard Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum):
Leopard Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum)
Leopard Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum)
Also known as zebra sharks, these mesmerizing creatures can be found in the shallow waters of the Andaman Sea. With their distinctive patterns of dark spots and stripes, leopard sharks are a sight to behold. Despite their size, reaching up to 3 meters in length, they are docile and pose no threat to humans.
​

Type: The zebra shark is the sole member of the family Stegostomatidae.
It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, frequenting coral reefs and sandy flats to a depth of 62 meter.


Size: 1–3 meters.

Habitat: what site gives you the best changes to see Leopard sharks?
Divers often encounter them at Phuket Shark point resting on sandy bottoms or gracefully gliding through coral reefs.


Reproduction: Zebra sharks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs instead of giving live birth. They can breed year-round without a distinct mating season. However, they tend to lay their eggs within a 112-day period, typically laying only 3-4 eggs at a time. The eggs are enclosed in brownish-purple casings known as "mermaid purses." After four to six months, the eggs hatch, and the juvenile zebra sharks can fend for themselves and search for food. 
2. Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus)
Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus)
Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus)
These sleek and slender sharks are commonly spotted in the Andaman Sea, particularly around rocky reefs and coral formations. Named for their prominent white-tipped dorsal and caudal fins, whitetip reef sharks are nocturnal hunters, often seen resting during the day in crevices or under overhangs. Although they can reach lengths of up to 2 meters, they are generally timid and pose little danger to humans.

Type:
Requiem shark in the Carcharhinidae family

What site gives you the best changes to see White tip reef sharks?
Divers often encounter them close to deep drop offs in the Similan islands such as elephant head rock or 3 trees.

Reproduction
: this species is placental viviparous. Fertilization occurs internally, and the embryos receive nourishment initially from the yolk sac. Later, the yolk stalk converts into an umbilical cord, and the yolk sac transforms into a placenta.

This placental connection allows the embryos to receive nourishment and engage in metabolic exchanges with the mother shark during the gestation period, which lasts for at least five months. This aslo means these sharks have a belly button! Litters of white tip reef sharks consist of 1-5 pups. The length of the newborn pups ranges from 52 to 60 cm. There is no parental care provided by the mother shark after giving birth to the pups.

3. Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus):
Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus):
Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
One of the most recognizable shark species in the Andaman Sea, blacktip reef sharks are renowned for their distinctive black-tipped fins and slender bodies. These agile swimmers are commonly found in shallow, nearshore waters, patrolling coral reefs in search of small fish and crustaceans. Divers can witness their graceful movements and occasionally observe them leaping out of the water.

Type: Requiem shark in the Carcharhinidae family

What site gives you the best changes to see Black tip reef sharks?
Divers often encounter them in shallow waters and Bida Nok in Phi Phi national park gives you the best chance to see several of them if you remain motionless and quiet.


Reproduction: Black tip reef sharks are viviparous, meaning they give live birth to fully developed pups. After a gestation period lasting seven to sixteen months, varying by geographic location, two to four pups are born, they measure 30 to 50 cm. The female possesses two separate uteruses, each dedicated to nurturing an individual embryo. 
4. ​Nurse Sharks (Nebrius ferrugineus)
Nurse Sharks (Nebrius ferrugineus)
Nurse Sharks (Nebrius ferrugineus)
Nurse sharks, with their robust bodies and barbels on their lower jaw, are a common sight in the Andaman Sea. These bottom-dwelling sharks prefer sandy or muddy habitats, often resting during the day and becoming more active at night. Despite their size, which can exceed 4 meters, nurse sharks are generally placid and pose no threat to divers unless provoked.

Type:
Carpet shark in the Ginglymostomatidae family


Size
: 27cm at birth to up to 4 meters


What site gives you the best changes to see Nurse sharks?
The best site to see Nurse shark in our area is around the Burma banks and quiet caves in Mergui Archipelago. While they can be spotted in Thailand, it is more of a rare, less predictable occurance.


Reproduction:
an aplacental viviparous species (without a yolk-sac placenta). 20-50 pups per litter. DNA analysis has shown that litters contain young from multiple males.

5. Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier):
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
The tiger shark is a captivating and powerful predator found in the North Andaman Sea and Burma. With its distinctive striped pattern and formidable presence, it commands attention. Known for its opportunistic feeding habits and adaptability, the tiger shark is a skilled hunter, preying on a variety of marine life. While encounters may be less common than with other shark species, the Andaman Sea's diverse ecosystem provides a suitable habitat for tiger sharks. Keep an eye out during your explorations for a chance to witness these impressive creatures in action.

​Type: Largest of the Carcharinid Sharks

Habitat/ What site gives you the best changes to see Tiger sharks? Tigersharks are very rarely spotted in Thailand and Myanmar, we've seen 3 individuals in 12 years of diving the Andaman Sea! Encounters occurred at the Burma Banks, Surin islands and Shark point int he south of the Similan islands.
​

Reproduction: The tiger shark is the only aplacental viviparous carcharinid, lacking a placental connection to the uterus. Embryos develop in protective shells with a yellowish fluid. They have partially everted stomachs, potentially absorbing extra nutrients from the fluid, resulting in larger pups at birth. Do not confuse Tiger shark and sand tiger sharks. Unlike sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) do not practice intrauterine cannibalism, refraining from consuming their siblings in the womb.
6. Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
The silvertip shark is a sleek and striking predator that patrols the ocean with grace. Named for its distinctive silver-tipped fins, this species possesses a streamlined body built for speed and agility. With its sharp senses and excellent swimming abilities, the silvertip shark is an adept hunter, often preying on schools of fish. It is known for its bold and curious nature, making encounters with this magnificent creature both exhilarating and unforgettable.

Type:  Requiem shark in the Carcharhinidae family

Habitat/ What site gives you the best changes to see Silvertip sharks? While it generally prefers offshore habitats, it can also be encountered in the Andaman Sea, including the waters around Burma.

Reproduction: Silvertip sharks are a viviparous species with a yolk-sac placenta. Each litter typically consists of 1 to 11 pups. The gestation period of silvertip sharks lasts around 12 months. During this time, the embryos develop inside the mother's uterus, receiving nourishment from a yolk-sac placenta.
7. Gray Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium griseum):
Gray Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium griseum)
Gray Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium griseum)
Let's take a closer look at the delightful grey bamboo shark! While information about these Thailand-dwelling sharks is somewhat limited, one thing is clear: they have a knack for hiding. These elusive creatures prefer the seclusion of caves or the shelter of coral, making it challenging to gather extensive details about their habits and behaviors.

The grey bamboo shark, with a maximum length of around 80cm, prefers a diet consisting mainly of shrimp, crabs, worms, and other small fish. These sharks have a more leisurely pace and tend to stick close to the ocean floor or find cozy hideouts. It's worth noting that they often get mistaken for other bamboo shark species or even their distant (much larger) relative, the nurse shark.


Type:
Carpet shark in the Hemiscylliidae family


Size
: Maximum size 80cm. Size at birth less than 13-18cm.


Habitat/ What site gives you the best changes to see bamboo sharks?
 
Volcano and square rocks at the south of Mergui Archipelago have plenty of hiding spots favoured by bamboo sharks but as they lay quite deep into the cracks, you will need the help of a good guide to find them!

Reproduction:
  bamboo sharks are oviparous. A single egg case develops in each uterus.

Their eggs hatch after 14 to 15 weeks of incubation. One captive female stored sperm for 45 months before fertilization!

8. Coral Catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus)
Coral Catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus)
Coral Catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus)

The coral catshark, is a species that is commonly found in the Andaman Sea, including the waters around Burma.

The coral catshark is known for its distinctive appearance, with a marbled pattern of dark spots and blotches on its body. It is a small shark species, typically reaching a maximum length of about 70 centimeters. These sharks are primarily found in shallow, tropical waters, often inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas.

Like other catsharks, the coral catshark is nocturnal and spends much of its time resting on the seabed during the day. At night, it becomes more active, hunting for small fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. These sharks have slender bodies and are well adapted to navigating through the crevices and coral structures of their reef habitats.

In the Andaman Sea and Burma, the coral catshark is one of the many species that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region's marine ecosystems. It serves as an important part of the food chain and plays a role in maintaining the balance of the reef ecosystem.

Type: is a species of catshark in the Scyliorhinidae family

Habitat/ What site gives you the best changes to see coral Catsharks? 

Steps, a dive site near Koh Lipe in our South Andaman itineraries is your surest bet to sea coral catsharks.

Reproduction: Cat sharks are oviparous (meaning, they lay eggs that hatch after 1 to 6 weeks of incubation). Their eggs are layed in pair.
9. Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus)
Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus)
Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus)
80cm - Pakistan 2017
Undoubtedly one of the most majestic creatures in the ocean, the gentle giant known as the whale shark occasionally graces the waters of the Andaman Sea. Despite their enormous size, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters, these filter-feeding sharks pose no harm to humans. Snorkelers and divers are blessed with unforgettable encounters as they swim alongside these magnificent creatures, observing their peaceful nature.

Type: Filter feeding sharks in the rhincodontidae family

Habitat/ What site gives you the best changes to see Whale sharks?
While Whalesharks can be spotted anywhere in Thai waters, the Andaman Sea offers several prime locations for shark encounters, such as the Richelieu Rock in the North or Hin Deang, Hin Muang and 8 Mile Rock in the South of Thailand. Renowned for their abundance of marine life including whale sharks, the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar is also a great spot where divers can witness a diverse range of shark species including whale sharks.

Reproduction: Limited information is available regarding the reproductive process of whale sharks. Male whale sharks are considered sexually mature when they reach a length of 8-9 m and can be identified by the presence of claspers near the pelvic fin. However, the size at which females reach maturity is unknown, as well as the existence and location of specific breeding grounds.
Whale sharks are believed to be ovoviviparous (aplacental viviparity), meaning that eggs develop inside the female's body and hatch internally. The embryos lack a placental connection with the mother and are initially nourished by the yolk sac, followed by uterine milk secreted by villi in the internal uterine wall. Once the embryos reach full term, they are live born.
​

A female whale shark harpooned off the coast of Taiwan contained approximately 300 embryos in her two uteri, ranging in size from 42 to 63 cm. It is suggested that newborn pups typically measure between 55 to 64 cm in length. Similar to other shark species, parental care is not observed in whale sharks.
​Learn more about the
mystery of baby whale sharks here.

Ways sharks reproduce

Final Thought

It's important to note that responsible diving practices, such as maintaining a respectful distance and refraining from touching or feeding the sharks, are crucial to protect both the sharks and the delicate marine ecosystem they inhabit.

Diving in the Andaman Sea presents a thrilling opportunity to witness the beauty and grandeur of these fascinating sharks. As ambassadors of the ocean, it is our duty to cherish and respect these magnificent creatures, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.

Attention passionate divers! If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of gentle giants, then the Whale Sharks Special Expedition is an absolute must for you!

​Join us on an unforgettable journey through the North and South Andaman Sea, where you'll have the incredible opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures firsthand. Our expert marine biologist, Kirsty Magson from the esteemed Thailand Whale Shark Project, will provide captivating daily presentations on the mesmerizing world of Whale Sharks. Prepare to be enlightened, inspired, and amazed by this unique expedition!
So, gear up, dive in, and embark on an unforgettable adventure with the sharks of the Andaman Sea onboard The MV Smiling Seahorse !
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May 10th to May 14th 2023 North Andaman cruise finale

3/7/2023

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Picture
As the North Andaman cruise season drew to a close, with Surin and Similan national parks closing on May 15th, we embarked on our final voyage from May 10th to May 14th, 2023.
Welcoming back a group of cherished return guests from Hong Kong filled our hearts with joy and gratitude. Beginning at Tap Lamu pier and concluding in Ranong, our long-established home port, this itinerary offered a fitting end to a remarkable season. Soon, The Smiling Seahorse would enjoy a well-deserved rest, preparing to return in October, ready to welcome adventurers with renewed vigor.
Wonderful sunset on the Andaman Sea
Clownfish near their anemone
Throughout this memorable cruise, the wonders of the Andaman Sea continued to amaze us. Our underwater explorations introduced us to a diverse array of marine creatures, delighting both new and seasoned divers alike. From the tigertail seahorse, gracefully hiding among the corals, to the impressive schools of batfish and emperors, the marine life surrounding us painted a vivid tapestry of colors and movement.
We were fortunate to encounter the majestic hawksbill turtle, gliding through the waters with elegance and grace. Yellow goatfish and giant moray eels added to the ever-changing tableau, while giant lobsters peeked out from their hidden crevices, offering us a glimpse into their secret world.
Majestic Hawksbill turtle North Andaman
Giant moray eel North Andaman
Tiger tail seahorse North Andaman
Beautiful lobster North Andman
Our journey brought us face-to-face with fascinating creatures such as the bent stick pipefish and the elusive ghost pipefish. Their intricate forms and ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings left us in awe of nature's ingenuity. The vibrant yellow margin triggerfish and the charming pufferfish added bursts of color to our underwater encounters. Not to be forgotten, the mantis shrimp and the orangutan crab showcased the fascinating diversity of crustaceans that call the Andaman Sea home.
A highlight of our adventure was the blackwater dive, where we delved into an otherworldly realm. Amidst the darkness, we were captivated by the graceful movements of pretty squids and a multitude of mysterious crustaceans. This alien world reminded us of the boundless wonders that lie beneath the surface, awaiting discovery.
Ghost pipefish North Andaman
Pufferfish North Andaman
Peacock mantis shrimp
The camaraderie and shared experiences on this final cruise of the season created an atmosphere of both sadness and happiness. We bid farewell to the wonders of the underwater world with mixed emotions, grateful for the memories we had created together. The smiles, laughter, and sense of awe will forever be etched in our hearts.
To our beloved return guests from Hong Kong, we express our deepest gratitude for choosing to journey with us once again. Your enthusiasm, camaraderie, and love for the underwater world added immeasurable joy to our final cruise of the season.
Ready for blackwater dive!
Blackwater ghosty creature
As The Smiling Seahorse finds solace in its well-deserved rest, our crew will diligently prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring that the vessel is ready and even more inviting for the adventures that lie ahead. We eagerly await the time when we can once again explore the remarkable underwater landscapes of the Andaman Sea together.
Until then, we bid farewell to the diving season, cherishing the memories and counting down the days until we can embark on new journeys, surrounded by the wonder of the underwater world.
Great last dive for this season
Cheers!!!!
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Discover the Enigmatic Sea Snakes: Fascinating Creatures of the Ocean

2/7/2023

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Discover the Enigmatic Sea Snakes: Fascinating Creatures of the Ocean
The vast oceans are home to a multitude of captivating and unique creatures, and among them are the enigmatic sea snakes. These serpentine reptiles have adapted to life in marine environments and are renowned for their remarkable features. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguing world of sea snakes and explore their fascinating characteristics.
 
Sea snakes belong to two subfamilies, Hydrophiinae (true sea snakes) and Laticaudinae (sea krait, who are semiaquatic).
 
In Thailand and Myanmar we have the chance to encounter regularly representatives of these two families: 
The yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus) is a true marine snake (hydrophiinae family) who leaves a pelagic life and never goes on land! We have only encountered this snake during our blackwater dive, offshore, never on the reef.
Yellow-bellied sea snake
Yellow-bellied sea snake
The banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina), on the other hand, belong to the Laticaudinae family. They are semi-aquatic with feature adapted to a life between land and the ocean. These are the sea snakes we most often see while diving on the reef.
the banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina)
The banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina)

Diversity and Distribution

Sea kraits on the reef
Sea krait on the coral reef
True sea snakes comprise as many as 53 species whilst the partially terrestrial Laticauda or sea kraits comprise five species only.
 
Both can be found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in regions such as the Coral Triangle, the Andaman Sea, and the Great Barrier Reef.
 
Curiously, they are not found in the Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, or Caribbean Sea. Their distribution ranges from coastal shallows to deeper offshore waters, and they exhibit various ecological adaptations to their preferred habitats.
​
Both true sea snakes and sea kraits inhabit the sea, but sea kraits can also be observed on land while true sea kraits are true pelagic.
 
Both sea snakes and Sea kraits feature a flattened tail that help them swim, but Sea kraits' bodies are cylindrical enabling them to crawl on land, while sea snakes are ribbon like bodies making them even stronger swimmers.
 
On average, adult sea snakes (including sea kraits) measure between 1 and 1.5 meter in length.

Can Sea Snakes breath underwater

We recently came across another really cool "true sea snake" on a blackwater dive in Myanmar, a Slender-Necked Sea Snake (possibly Hydrophis nigrocinctus). Like other true Sea Snake, it is a highly adapted aquatic species, spending most of its life in the ocean. 
​

This species, found in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean near Southeast Asia and northern Australia, remains mysterious due to its elusive nature and vast habitat.

​Despite being known to science, much about its distribution and behaviour remains unknown, making it a compelling subject for further research. Studying it could reveal valuable insights into its biology, behavior, and interactions with other marine species.
Picture
Snakes, much like turtles are reptiles not  fish, they must periodically swim to the water's surface to replenish their oxygen supply
Snakes, much like turtles are reptiles not  fish, they must periodically swim to the water's surface to replenish their oxygen supply before descending back to the depths of the reef.
 
While many sea snakes (including sea kraits) need to resurface every half an hour to breathe, certain species of sea snakes (including the yellow-bellied sea snake) possess an extraordinary ability to remain submerged for up to eight hours.
 
This superpower is made possible by their unique capability to absorb approximately 33% of their required oxygen and eliminate around 90% of carbon dioxide through their skin. The nostrils of a true sea snake (positioned on top of their snout) have the ability to close when the animal is underwater.

Can sea snakes die of thirst

Yes! while surrounded by (sea) water, Sea snakes can die of thirst.
While they live in the oceans, sea snakes cannot extract fresh water from the saline sea. Kraits may drink water from land or the sea surface, but True sea snakes (while they have teh ability to expel part of the salt they ingest) must wait for rain to drink the relatively fresh water floating on the sea's surface.

Are sea snakes venomous or poisonous?
​

Banded sea krait portrait
Banded sea krait portrait
Sea snakes are extremely venomous creatures (their bite will create quite a lot of damage), however, they are not considered aggressive towards humans and will only bite if they feel threatened or provoked.
 
It's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid handling or disturbing these fascinating creatures if encountered in their natural habitat. The same apply to all underwater creatures: Do not touch!
The same caution should be exercised with snakes found washed up on beaches. Snakes may feign death as a defense mechanism, and even a deceased or decapitated snake can still reflexively bite.
 
Survival tip: In the event of being stranded at sea, it is possible to consume sea snakes for sustenance. They are not poisonous (ie: can be eaten) but to survive, you better avoid getting bitten!

Diet and predation for sea snake

Banded sea krait VS pelagic sea snakes
Banded sea krait on the reef
True sea snakes are skilled predators that primarily consume small fish, fish eggs, and young octopuses. These sea snakes can be active either during the day or at night, displaying versatility in their feeding habits. On the other hand, sea kraits are nocturnal feeders that primarily target eels as their preferred prey. They supplement their diet with crabs, squid, and fish they find while exploring the reef and crevices.
 
While there have been no observations of sea kraits feeding on land, we know that they do return to land to facilitate the digestion of their prey.
In their natural habitat, sea snakes face predation from eels, sharks, rays and other large fish.

Reproduction and Life Cycle of sea snakes and sea kraits:

Reptiles (including sea snakes) reproduce by laying eggs, but there are two distinct methods of hatching: viviparity and oviparous.
 
Oviparity is the most common method of reptile reproduction, and it is observed in species like sea kraits (and turtles).  Oviparous reptiles lay eggs externally, usually in a safe location where the eggs can develop. The mother does not provide direct nourishment to the developing embryos; instead, the eggs contain a yolk sac that provides the necessary nutrients for their growth.
 
The banded Sea krait (much like turtles) usually returns to the same beach it was born on to lay its own clutches of up to 10 eggs.
These eggs are then left to fend for themselves and rely on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, for proper incubation. Once the embryos have fully developed within the eggs, they hatch, and the young reptiles emerge.

​Viviparity is a reproductive strategy seen in other reptiles, such as yellow-bellied sea snakes. In viviparous species, the embryo develops inside the mother's body and receives nourishment directly from her through a specialized structure, such as a placenta or yolk sac. The mother provides a nurturing environment for the embryos, supplying them with nutrients and protecting them until they are ready to be born as fully developed offspring. This method allows for internal development and live birth, similar to some mammalian species. This adaptation allows the newborn snakes to feed on its very first day and give them a higher chance of survival in the open ocean.
Yellow-bellied sea snake on the blackwater dives
Yellow-bellied sea snake on the blackwater dives
yellow bellied sea snake portrait
yellow bellied sea snake -Hydrophis platurus
In summary, while reptiles, including sea snakes, generally lay eggs, they employ different methods of hatching. Viviparous species, like yellow-bellied sea snakes, give birth to live young after internal development and maternal nourishment. Oviparous species, such as sea kraits, lay eggs externally, and the embryos develop inside the eggs with nutrients from the yolk sac until they hatch independently.

Conservation and Threat

Like many marine species, sea snakes and kraits face various threats due to human activities and habitat degradation. Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction pose significant challenges to their survival. Some species are also at risk from accidental bycatch in fishing nets. It is crucial to raise awareness and take steps to protect these remarkable creatures and their delicate ecosystems.

Sea Snakes superpowers

Sea snakes possess some truly fascinating superpowers! Just like their land-dwelling relatives, they use their tongues to gather vital information about their surroundings. But here's the cool part: sea snake tongues are actually shorter than those of regular snakes. Why, you ask?
sea snakes in the andaman sea
Sea snake in thailand
Sea snake swimming in the blue
Well, it turns out that it's much easier for them to "taste" molecules in the water than in the air. Talk about a handy adaptation!
 
But wait, there's more! Sea snakes have a nifty trick up their scaly sleeves when it comes to dealing with salt. Since they ingest salt along with their prey, these clever creatures have special sublingual glands located beneath their tongues. These glands work like magic, allowing the sea snake to remove excess salt from its blood and expel it with a flick of the tongue. It's like having a built-in salt filter – pretty impressive, right?
 
Now, when it comes to sea snake vision, scientists are still unraveling the mysteries. While it seems that their vision plays a limited role in hunting and finding mates, sea snakes have other extraordinary sensory abilities. They possess special mechanoreceptors that help them sense vibrations and movement, giving them a heightened awareness of their aquatic surroundings. Some sea snakes even respond to pheromones to identify potential mates.

​But hold on tight, because the superpowers of sea snakes don't stop there. These incredible creatures may have the ability to detect electromagnetic fields and pressure, although the exact cells responsible for these senses are still a mystery to scientists.

​Imagine having a sixth sense that lets you perceive things beyond what meets the eye! Sea snakes truly embody the wonders of the underwater world, showcasing a range of remarkable abilities that make them stand out in the snake kingdom.
sea krait on the reef

Look at this incredible video! 

Brace yourselves for an extraordinary journey into the depths of the ocean aboard The MV Smiling Seahorse. Get ready to embark on an awe-inspiring underwater adventure where you'll have the chance to encounter an array of remarkable marine life, including these superstars of the sea: sea snakes!
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    The Smiling Seahorse Diving Blog

    A blog about our diving adventures in Burma and Thailand. Diving trip reports, guest reviews, fishy stories, wildlife fun facts and much more...
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    ​The Smiling Seahorse has been running dive cruises from Ranong since 2012.
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    - About Myanmar liveaboards
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The Smiling Seahorse

Our dive cruises

170 Ruangrat Rd, Tambon khao nivet, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 85000​
Phone: +66860110614​
​Mail: [email protected]

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