Brisbane's only true coral reef is Flinders Reef, located just northwest of Cape Moreton.

Deadly sea snakes

Keywords: sea snakes

Sea snakes, or seasnakes, are venomous elapid snakes that inhabit marine environments for most or all of their lives. Adults of most species grow to between 120-150cm (4-5ft) in length, with the largest, Hydrophis spiralis, reaching a maximum of 3m (10ft). Their eyes are relatively small with a round pupil and most have nostrils that are located dorsally. The skulls do not differ significantly from terrestrial elapids, although the dentition is relatively primitive with short fangs and (with the exception of Emydocephalus) as many as 18 smaller teeth behind them on the maxilla.Most are extensively adapted to a fully aquatic life and are unable to even move on land, except for the genus Laticauda, which retain ancestral characteristics which allow limited land movement. They are found in warm coastal waters from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. All have paddle-like tails and many have laterally compressed bodies that give them an eel-like appearance. However, unlike fish, they do not have gills and must come to the surface regularly to breathe. Nevertheless, they are among the most completely aquatic of all air-breathing vertebrates. Among this group are species with some of the most potent venoms of all snakes. Some have gentle dispositions and bite only when provoked, but others are much more aggressive. Currently, 17genera are described as sea snakes, comprising 62 species.Some sea snakes can be very venomous and can cause death in 20 minutes. Their lungs are as long as their body.