What physical oceanic features concentrate small fish and attract *H. platurus* aggregations?
Answer
Drift lines, foam, scum, and other marine debris lines
The association of the yellow-bellied sea snake with floating debris is fundamental to its feeding ecology. These drift lines, which consist of materials such as foam, scum, and assorted marine debris, act as natural aggregators, concentrating small, surface-oriented fish that seek cover or shade. These concentrated areas become recognized feeding grounds where thousands of snakes can gather, as seen in places like the Gulf of Panama. This reliance on current-driven pathways dictates where the snakes successfully forage and also likely facilitates finding conspecifics for mating in the vast open ocean.
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