Cutaneous oxygen uptake in three groups of aquatic snakes

Abstract

Four species of sea snakes of the genus Hydrophis had high rates of cutaneous oxygen uptake (1.50-1.94 ml 100g-l h-l) whereas sea kraits (genus Laticauda) and a homalopsine colubrid, Cerberus rhynchops, normally had much lower values (0.45-0.74 ml 100g-l h-1). The amount of cutaneous oxygen uptake appeared to be correlated with the degree of aquatic adaptation. The four sea snakes are completely aquatic; the sea kraits emerge on land at least seasonally and in some cases daily; Cerberus is amphibious, living in tidal areas. In all species, activity resulted in increased cutaneous oxygen uptake.