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Review on the enigmatic Data deficient Bombay sea snake Hydrophis mamillaris Daudin (1803) from India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India
  • 2Thakur College of Science and Commerce Kandivali (E), Mumbai, Maharastra-400101, India
  • 3Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248001, India
  • 4Thakur College of Science and Commerce Kandivali (E), Mumbai, Maharastra-400101, India

Res. J. Marine Sci., Volume 13, Issue (1), Pages 1-8, June,13 (2025)

Abstract

Marine reptiles like sea snakes thrive in tropical and subtropical waters globally. The Bombay sea snake, scientifically identified as Hydrophis mamillaris Daudin 1803, is recognized for its unique traits. This review paper aims to illuminate this enigmatic serpent's unique biology and ecology. This venomous species, native to the Indian Ocean, has been inadequately studied and documented, with sparse records and an uncertain type specimen. The IUCN classifies its population as 'Data Deficient,' reflecting insufficient specimens and unclear distribution patterns. The most recent verified collection of this species occurred in 1926. A comprehensive review of research papers, available field guides, and articles in the English language was compiled from search engines such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Academia, research papers and websites such as Inaturalist, Indian Snakes, India Biodiversity Portal, along with non-electronic literature such as pictorial field guides, monographs available in the English language from 1917 to 2024, N=30 encompassed various countries while ensuring no bias towards India websites using keywords like Hydrophis, Arturia, Chitulia, sea snakes. This comprehensive review, compiled from various sources, provides a detailed overview of the current knowledge of this species' taxonomy, habitat, morphology, distribution, reproductive biology, and venom.

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