Niue is a Pacific Ocean coral atoll located 2,400 kilometers to the northeast of New Zealand. Along with the Cook Islands, Niue has the internationally recognized status of being a free associated state. The local governments of Niue and the Cook Island have a high degree of independence, but the islands are a protectorate of New Zealand.
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Laticauda schistorhynchus - The flat-tail sea snake, known locally as katuali is native to the waters around the island of Niue. Sea snakes and sea kraits are often confused. Sea snakes evolved to spend their entire life in the ocean; they have flattened bodies and fin-like tails to assist in swimming. Sea snakes are ovoviviparous, they bear live young in the water; sea kraits lay their eggs on land. The 8 recognized species of the Laticauda genus are sea snakes, but they are the exception to the sea snake profile; they mate, digest food, and lay their eggs on land.
