Differential Reactions of Atlantic and Pacific Predators to Sea Snakes

Abstract

Predators from the Pacific made no attempt to attack the Pacific sea snake Pelamis platurus. Atlantic predators, however, were more inclined to attack, sometimes being wounded by their prey. This suggests that if a canal in Central America facilitated the spread of Pelamis to the Atlantic, the species would eventually spread throughout the ocean as selection favoured predators disinclined to attack it.