Several species of sea snakes are living in New Caledonian waters, including the «tricot rayé » or the knit striped snake, frequently encountered on the islands.
A dozen species of sea snakes are living in the Caledonian waters. Their adaptation to the water environment is perfect, having a paddle-shaped tail; they can stay underwater about twenty minutes while hunting, and the apnea can reach 50 minutes when they rest. They searched carefully for food in the crevices and burrows, feeling the ground with their sensitive tongues, in search of small fish, which they catch by holding the creature a few minutes until it is paralysed. Then they swallow it starting always from the head. In New Caledonia, the «tricot rayé » or the knit striped snake is the most common species.
There are two species (types) of “tricot raye”, which owe their name to their ringed appearance with alternating light and dark areas.
The first are characterized by black rings on orange background (laticauda colubrina), the other by black rings on a blue background (laticauda laticaudata). They are the only ones being amphibious. The snakes live on islands nestled in the rocks under purslane branches and come to earth to digest, reproduce, or lay their eggs.
It is not uncommon to see them on the beach, and beyond, but they do not attack humans. They have two fangs and can bite any part of the body. They inject into their preys a few milligrams of venom more potent than that of the cobra! They have nevertheless a good reputation; because of their timid nature, the «tricot rayés », are not aggressive and never attack man in normal circumstances. It is better to leave the snakes alone and stay away. Leave them alone if you encounter them on the islets!
Variety of species
The laticauda species Leguen.jpg "The cagou")
