As with the eels that the snakes prey on, the paralysis of any muscles involved in breathing or swallowing may be fatal. In the case of serious bites, sea snake antivenom can be administered.

“I couldn’t grab it by the hand when I was younger because it looks like a snake and felt creepy,” recalled Kazumi Ishida, 64, a director of a local fishery cooperative association.

A mysterious fanged sea creature that washed ... Her request was passed to biologist and eel specialist Dr Kenneth Tighe, who believes it is a fangtooth snake-eel. He said it may also be a garden ...