Elapidae · Philippine record
Hydrophis semperiGARMAN 1881
Venom: Basic classification explicitly recorded in the species account. Detailed effects and medical significance have not yet been summarised here.
Species account, Comments
Venom effects and medical significance are different from toxicity rankings. Do not handle a snake on the basis of this summary.
A freshwater sea snake of Lake Taal. Feeding research links it to the lake’s small fishes and shallow-water habitats.
Literature updated 2026-10-07 · Editorial review pending
Explore the island records ↓Species portrait
Hydrophis semperi
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Adult · study plate
Hydrophis semperi
Image to followJuvenile · study plate
Hydrophis semperi
Image to followLife stages will be labelled from the contributor’s information. Images alone do not establish identification or a locality record.
Media provenance
Contributor images are forthcoming. Photographs and illustrations will retain their individual credits, permissions and evidence notes.
A closer look
Captures were concentrated near shore and in shallower open-water portions of Lake Taal.
Literature documented · Abstract; Results, distribution
Lake Taal, Philippines.
Capture locations do not define the species’ full depth range.
Eats gobies and eels; halfbeaks were also recovered from gut contents.
Literature documented · Abstract; Table 1
Philippine feeding study using gut contents and stable isotopes.
Isotope-compatible prey are not equivalent to prey recovered from a stomach.
Habitat alteration within Lake Taal is a conservation concern for this narrowly restricted snake.
Literature documented · Abstract; Discussion
Conservation context of the 2014 study.
Not a new Red List assessment or a measured population trend.
The species account records live-bearing reproduction, using the term ovoviviparous. A verified Philippine litter-size range and reproductive calendar are not established here.
Literature documented · Reproduction field
Reproductive mode reported for this named species.
Mode alone does not establish litter or clutch size, seasonal timing, or captive husbandry requirements.
The atlas records Hydrophis semperi from these named Philippine areas: Luzon. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
Literature documented · Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
The original evidence level is retained.
A country listing cannot establish an island or a precise locality.
Hydrophis semperi is retained in the atlas’s dated checklist under Elapidae. The authority is GARMAN 1881. Earlier names and the original source notes are preserved below for comparison.
Literature documented · Checklist identity and nomenclatural trail
Checklist verified 2026-09-05; not a newly revised taxonomic backbone.
Historical names can cover different biological concepts; synonyms should not be used to transfer records automatically.
Across the archipelago
Documented islands: gold · island groups: dashed circles
Island-level records · not continuous habitat coverage. Dashed circles locate groups, not individual observations.
Philippine distribution
Select an island to read its distribution record and sources. Uncoloured islands are not evidence of absence.
Philippines (Luzon: Lake Taal) Type locality: Lake Taal, Luzon Island
The atlas records Hydrophis semperi from these named Philippine areas: Luzon. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
References attached to this species account. Island-specific evidence is shown separately where available.
Living with wildlife
Venomous · Effects not yet summarised in this atlas
Observe from a distance. Do not handle, corner or capture a snake to identify it. An incomplete venom account is not evidence that a species is safe to handle.
After a suspected snakebite, keep the person still and arrange urgent medical care. Avoid tight tourniquets, cutting, suction and unproven remedies. Do not wait to identify the snake before seeking help.
WHO guidance on snakebite first aidSpecies record
Range noteCountry/island text is not a range polygon or locality record.
Philippines (Luzon: Lake Taal) Type locality: Lake Taal, Luzon Island
Names through time
Hydrophis semperi GARMAN 1881: 86 Distira semperi — BOULENGER 1896 Leioselasma semperi — KHARIN 1984 Leioselasma semperi — WELCH 1994: 72 Leioselasma semperi — KHARIN 2005 Hydrophis semperi — SANDERS et al.. 2012 (by implication) Leioselasma semperi — WALLACH et al. 2014: 368
Venomous! Habitat: freshwater; this is one of a few “sea snakes” that appear to live exclusively in fresh water. Another one is H. sibauensis.
Uetz, P.; Freed, P.; Aguilar, R.; Reyes, F.; Kudera, J.; Hošek, J. (eds.)
Garcia, V. O. S.; Papa, R. D. S.; Briones, J. C. A.; Mendoza, N.; Okuda, N.; Diesmos, A. C.
Asian Herpetological Research 5(4): 255–262
DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00255
Author-uploaded full text consulted; gut contents and stable isotopes are distinguished.
Uetz, P.; Hallermann, J. et al. (editors)
Public species fields consulted for bounded biological summaries. Primary sources quoted within the database were not independently examined unless explicitly stated. The catalogue name may differ from the current source title.