The short-nosed sea snake grows up to 60cm long, is relatively slender and has a small head. The species is brown in colour with purple to brown patterns, and scales on the body overlap one another. The sea snake sheds its skin every two to six weeks and rids excess salt from the sea water through a gland that is located under the tongue. It is thought the species has a life span of 8-10 years, with a generation length of around five years. The snake gives birth to live young, with a gestation period of six to seven months. Eels and small fish make up the sea snake’s diet. Like other sea snakes, the species must come to the surface to breathe, however, can spend up to two hours under water.