SEA SNAKES (HYDROPHIIDAE) OF THE GULF OF TONKIN (NORTHERN VIET-NAM) (MORSKIE ZMEI (HYDROPHIIDAE) TONKINSKOGO (SEVERO-V'ETNAMSKOGO) ZALIVA),
Abstract
Seven species of sea snakes have been found in the Tonking Bay: Pelamis platurus, Lapemis hardwickii, Hydrophis fasciatus, H. Cyanocinctus, H. ornatus, Microcephalophis gracilis and Thalassophina viperina. The first three species are the prevailing ones. The bulk of L. hardwickii inhabits the litoral. P. platurus has been found in the open parts of the bay. H. fasciatus enjoys an intermediate position between the two mentioned species. Such factors as depth, salinity, temperature, etc. influence the distribution of the sea snakes throughout the bay. In springtime the main concentration of sea snakes is observed in the centrum of the eastern part of the bay where the warm current coming from the South-Chinese Sea passes. In summer the sea snakes move towards more shallow areas. Mainly pelagic species were not observed (P. platurus and H. fasciatus) in the utmost western and northern sections of the bay owing to the decreased salinity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0623256
Entities
People
- V. P. Shuntov
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office