Northern mangrove seasnake
# Northern mangrove seasnake

The northern mangrove seasnake (Parahydrophis mertoni), also known commonly as the Arafura smooth seasnake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia and New Guinea.

## Etymology

The specific name, mertoni, is in honor of German zoologist Hugo Merton.

## Geographic range

Parahydrophis mertoni is found in Northern Australia in Northern Territory and Queensland. It is also found in New Guinea in the Arafura Sea.

## Description

Parahydrophis mertoni is blackish-olive with about 46 yellow rings on the body and ten on the tail. The head shields are spotted with yellow, except for the rostral and labials which are black.

## Reproduction

Parahydrophis mertoni is viviparous.

