Effects of venom of the olive sea snake, Aipysurus laevis, on the behaviour and ventilation of three species of prey fish.

Venom from the olive sea snake, Aipysurus laevis, was injected into three species of prey fish, Chromis nitida, Dascyllus aruanus and Istiblennius meleagris. Their behaviour and ventilatory patterns were observed for 48 hr. Six progressive stages of envenomation, involving impairment of the locomotory and ventilatory systems, were identified. There were significant interspecific differences in time taken to reach various stages. In nature, the action of the venom not only would facilitate subduing the prey, but recovering it if it escaped.