- Aquarium of the Pacific
- One of the Aquarium of the Pacific's male sea kraits
While the venom of banded sea kraits ranks among the most toxic in the world, they are so docile and non-aggressive that humans are rarely bitten, even in situations where the animal feels threatened.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Coastal waters of New Guinea, Pacific islands, Philippines, southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and Japan
- Amazing Facts
The venom of the sea krait affects both muscles and nerves. It is 10 times more toxic than that of a rattlesnake. Each snake can produce up to 10-15 mg (0.0004-0.0005 oz) of venom. Only a fraction of the amount produced is a lethal dose.
- At the Aquarium
We have six sea kraits, all male. They are fed live freshwater eels obtained from Florida and imported into California under a special permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Game. For safety the Aquarium requires that two aquarists be present whenever the exhibit is unlocked. A supply of antivenom is also kept at a local medical center in the unlikely event that it is ever needed.