[Coral-List] Comparing diving destinations (SEA SNAKES)

[Delbeek, Charles]

Hi Keven, not sure this is "new" news. When I was at Waikiki Aquarium we
twice attempted to keep Pelamis that had been found washed up on a beach.
The first time we kept it alive for several months, and WAQ research
associate Jerry Crow had found evidence that they required freshwater, so
we used to create a freshwater lens on the surface once a week or so for
it to drink from. It eventually succumbed to some internal damage it
suffered when it was found washed up presumably. I don't remember if Jerry
found a reference to the freshwater or came up with the idea himself when
speaking with the vets at the Honolulu Zoo.


J. Charles Delbeek, M.Sc.
Assistant Curator, Steinhart Aquarium
California Academy of Sciences

p 415.379.5303
f. 415.379.5304
cdelbeek at calacademy.org
www.calacademy.org 
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>>
>>    Harvey Lillywhite at U. of Florida, Gainesville has recently done
>> research demonstrating a paradigm shift:  apparently sea snakes do not
>> drink seawater as previously thought--rather they seek out freshwater
>> lenses.  Enjoy the following link in Science Daily:
>> http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081106153629.htm
>>    It's now believed even the pelagic Pelamis will die in sea water from
>> dehydration after approximately three months if there is no rainfall on
>>the
>> sea's surface.