# Yellow-lipped Sea Krait

> Yellow-lipped Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina). The yellow-lipped sea krait has dark-and-light bands and uses both sea and land during its life cycle; it is venomous and should not be handled.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/laticauda-colubrina/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/laticauda-colubrina/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait (*Laticauda colubrina*) is a reptile in the family Elapidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, North Sulawesi, West Papua. Diet: eel-eater (piscivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Laticauda colubrina* |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Elapidae |
| Observation records | Bali, North Sulawesi, West Papua |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 311 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/8374394) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — eel-eater (piscivore) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Laticauda_colubrina/) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/yellow-lipped-sea-krait.htm) |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · [Clinical Toxinology Resources (WCH / Univ. of Adelaide): Laticauda colubrina (archived copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/2024/http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0590) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) — Most of its activity is at night or at dusk. · [Laticauda colubrina (yellow-lipped sea krait) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Laticauda_colubrina/) |

## What is the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

Yellow-lipped Sea Krait refers to Laticauda colubrina, in the genus Laticauda, family Elapidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/8374394)

## What is known about the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

The yellow-lipped sea krait has dark-and-light bands and uses both sea and land during its life cycle; it is venomous and should not be handled.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laticauda%20colubrina)

## How many Indonesian records name the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 311 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=8374394&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, North Sulawesi, West Papua. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=8374394&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Yellow-lipped Sea Krait with Puff-faced Water Snake, Double-spotted Gecko, Common Wolf Snake. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Elapidae |
| Genus | *Laticauda* |
| Species | *Laticauda colubrina* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait

### What is the scientific name of the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

The scientific name of the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is *Laticauda colubrina*, in the family Elapidae.

### What kind of animal is the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is a reptile in the family Elapidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a eel-eater (piscivore).

### Where does the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, North Sulawesi, West Papua. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait eat?

The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is a eel-eater (piscivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Laticauda_colubrina/).

### How does the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait reproduce?

The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Unlike most sea snakes, which give birth at sea, this sea krait comes ashore to lay its eggs. Source: [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/yellow-lipped-sea-krait.htm).

### Is the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait venomous?

Yes. The Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is venomous. Venomous; the clinical effects of its bite are poorly documented because this sea krait very rarely bites people. Source: [Clinical Toxinology Resources (WCH / Univ. of Adelaide): Laticauda colubrina (archived copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/2024/http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0590).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### Is the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait nocturnal?

The cited source records the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait as nocturnal (active at night). Most of its activity is at night or at dusk. Source: [Laticauda colubrina (yellow-lipped sea krait) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Laticauda_colubrina/).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait?

Scientific classification of the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Elapidae, genus *Laticauda*, species *Laticauda colubrina*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/8374394), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/8374394)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=8374394&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68343)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laticauda%20colubrina)
5. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Laticauda_colubrina/)
6. [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/yellow-lipped-sea-krait.htm)
7. [Clinical Toxinology Resources (WCH / Univ. of Adelaide): Laticauda colubrina (archived copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/2024/http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0590)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Puff-faced Water Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/homalopsis-buccata/)
- [Double-spotted Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-monarchus/)
- [Common Wolf Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lycodon-capucinus/)
- [Keeled Slug Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pareas-carinatus/)
- [Pacific Bluetail Skink](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/emoia-caeruleocauda/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Yellow-lipped Sea Krait. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/laticauda-colubrina/