The " Aipysurus " group is monophyletic : the egg-eating specialists form separate, early-diverging lineages.
Reef-dwelling species, such as " Aipysurus ", do have imbricate scales to protect against the sharp coral.
While other species have not been tested, " Aipysurus laevis " possibly is not unique among sea snakes in this respect.
The venom of many of these snakes is highly toxic; for example, " Aipysurus duboisii " is regarded as the world's most venomous sea snake.
"Aipysurus laevis " has been found to have photoreceptors in the skin of its tail, allowing it to detect light and presumably ensuring it is completely hidden, including its tail, inside coral holes during the day.
The olive sea snake, " Aipysurus laevis, " has been found to have photoreceptors in the skin of its tail, allowing it to detect light and presumably ensuring it is completely hidden, including its tail, inside coral holes during the day.