The Top 10 Deadliest Sea Snakes in the World

By Larry Slawson

This eBook examines (and ranks) the 10 deadliest sea snakes in the world.  It provides a direct analysis of each snake's behavioral pattern, venom toxicity (in relation to humans, as well as their overall aggression level.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larry Slawson
• Release date: Oct 5, 2021

Book preview

FEBRUARY 2021

LARRY SLAWSON

INTRODUCTION

Throughout the world, a number of sea snakes exist that are capable of inflicting serious harm, injury, and death to the human population at large. Although generally considered shy and timid (in comparison to many land-based snakes), sea snakes are renowned for their potent venom that is lethal to humans in only miniscule amounts. From the deadly yellow-bellied sea snake to the black-banded sea krait, this work examines and ranks the world’s deadliest sea snakes. It is the author’s hope that a better understanding (and appreciation) of these fascinating creatures will accompany readers following their completion of this work.

Selection Criteria

In order to select (and rank) the world’s deadliest sea snakes, a number of basic assumptions were necessary for the extents and purposes of this work. First and foremost, each of the following snakes are ranked according to their potential for causing human fatalities. This is a crucial aspect to consider, as sea snakes very rarely attack human beings due to their shy and timid nature. Likewise, a number of sea snakes are known to produce venom in only half of their bites (such as the Belcher’s sea snake), rendering their bites harmless in many cases. As a result, this work examines each of these snakes with a focus on their overall venom toxicity in relation to humans. To accomplish this, average venom yield per snake was calculated, along with the venom’s lethal dosage for humans.

Another factor that is important to consider is the overall fatality rates of snakebite victims. This element is relatively self-explanatory, and involved ranking each of the following snakes with their bite/death ratio applied (when data pertaining to fatality rates