Observations on the habits and morphology of the sea snake <i>Laticauda colubrina</i> (Schneider) in Fiji

Abstract

Fifty specimens of Laticauda colubrina were collected from two localities in the Fiji Islands and variation in a number of nonmetric and morphometric characters recorded. Marked sexual dimorphism is apparent in all characters examined. Details of the habits, diet (reef eels), and reproductive characteristics of this species are given. The function of the black and white banded colour pattern is discussed, and the validity of the currently recognized species of Laticauda is examined.