How large are newborn yellow-bellied sea snakes when they are first capable of hunting?
Answer
Around 25 cm
A significant factor contributing to the species' success across its vast range is the immediate hunting capability of its newborns. Juvenile yellow-bellied sea snakes are born large enough to begin foraging almost immediately upon birth, measuring approximately 25 cm in length. Although they possess inherited internal fat reserves from the mother to sustain them initially for the first few days, they do not rely on these reserves for long. Being able to start feeding on day one allows the newly independent juveniles to quickly tap into the abundant food supply of small fish schools near the surface, ensuring rapid growth and immediate independence from maternal care.
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What specialized feeding classification defines the yellow-bellied sea snake?Which small schooling fish are frequently cited components of the *Hydrophis platurus* diet?What strategy does the *H. platurus* employ near the water’s surface for feeding?Where are the specialized glands that excrete excess salt in *H. platurus* located?What unusual swimming ability helps the yellow-bellied sea snake maneuver fish before striking?What physical oceanic features concentrate small fish and attract *H. platurus* aggregations?What complex cocktail constitutes the highly potent venom of the yellow-bellied sea snake?Besides fish, what type of animal have captive yellow-bellied sea snakes been known to accept?How large are newborn yellow-bellied sea snakes when they are first capable of hunting?What physiological challenge results from the *H. platurus* consuming saltwater fish in the open ocean?Why is the potent venom's efficient use paramount for the pelagic hunter *H. platurus*?