([Fig. 81].)
Poison-fangs large, followed by 4-10 grooved teeth. Head larger than in Hydrophis; body more or less elongate; scales on the anterior part of the body imbricate; ventrals more or less distinct, and always very small.
The species of this genus, 18 in number according to the British Museum Catalogue, are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Persian Gulf to Japan and New Caledonia.
The most important are:—
D. ornata.—Uniform blackish-olive on the back, whitish on the belly.
Total length, 1,200 millimetres; tail 130. Habitat: From the Mouth of Persian Gulf, and the coasts of India and Ceylon to New Guinea, and North Australia.
D. subcincta.—Trunk with 41 broad dark cross-bands, about as broad as the interspaces, not extending downwards to the middle of the side; a series of small roundish, blackish spots along the lower part of the sides.
Total length, 1,070 millimetres; tail 100.
Habitat: Indian Ocean.
