title: Northern mangrove seasnake
text: # 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.
  
  