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REPTILES
Reptiles, being observed by divers are mostly members of the families
of sea snakes and sea turtles. In contrast to their relatives on
land, they are perfectly adapted to life in the oceans.
SEA SNAKES
Like their terrestrial counterparts, sea snakes are air breathers
and therefore must periodically return to the surface. There is
little information regarding their ability to stay submerged. Experts
estimate that some species may remain submerged for several hours.
In adaptation to locomotion under water , they have a flattened,
paddle-shaped tail. Most sea snakes are relatively helpless and
unable to strike on land. Sea snakes mainly feed on small fishes,
moray eels and fish eggs. Although all sea snakes are highly poisonous
they are no danger for divers and snorkelers, because they are completely
non-aggressive.
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BANDED SEA SNAKE (Laticauda colubrina)
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TURTLES
The turtles we see swimming over the reefs are very similar to
ancestral forms 150 million years ago. Obviously these survivors
are extremely well adapted for life in the oceans. Six of the eight
species of marine turtles are found in the Indo-Pacific region.
All are fully aquatic except for brief periods when females come
ashore to deposit their eggs. Most migrate over long distances to
reach favored breeding sites, in some case the same beach where
they were hatched. Most turtles are mainly carnivorous, feeding
on jellyfish, sponges, corals, crustaceans and small fish. Unfortunately,
most sea turtles are highly endangered in their existence. In many
areas their meat and eggs are utilized for food and their shells
are shaped into bits of jewelry. Moreover, many turtles drown in
trawl nets and also fall victim to plastic debris.
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HAWKSBILL TURTLE (Eretmochelys imbricata)
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Length:
to 1,2 m
Most
common turtle in the Andaman Sea. Easily identified by two
pairs of scales between the eyes. This species is encountered
all year round, specifically on dive sites around the Racha
Islands.
