This species is found on coral islands, coral reefs, mangroves and in open ocean. It feeds on eels (Heatwole 1999). It is usually found at a depth of 0-15 m (Cogger 2007). It has been recorded to dive to depths greater than 80 m (Brischoux et al. 2009). Beach rocks are thought to be an important habitat when on land.

Sea snakes of the genus Laticauda are amphibious to some degree, leaving the water regularly. Oviparous females deposit their eggs on land (Guinea 1994).

This species is more aquatic in its habits than its congener L. colubrina and this is reflected in its more slender bodied morphology and reduced capacity for terrestrial locomotion (Shine et al. 2002). Accordingly, while L. colubrina can travel quite far inland, L. laticaudata does not stray more than approximately five meters from the waters edge (Lane and Shine in prep).

 

Found along the coast of northeastern India, east to Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the islands of the southwestern Pacific Ocean, northwards to China, Taiwan, and Japan (Heatwole 1999). It can also be found in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands (Ineich and Rasmussen 1997).

In India it is only recorded from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but it is much less common as compared to L. colubrina (A. Lobo pers. comm.).

There are no species specific conservation measures for this species, but it may occur in marine protected areas, for example in the sea snake sanctuary at Gato Island, Cebu and Pulo Laum, Zamboanga in the Philippines (J. Gatus pers. comm. 2009). These parks are dependent on tourism for their protection.

It is important that conservation actions for snakes in the genus Laticauda take into account both their marine and terrestrial habitat requirements.

No sea snake species is currently listed by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).