UK - Sea Snake...?

[Nickorossa]

On a recent dive in the UK, we came across what looks like a sea snake. I didn't think we got them in the UK as its generally too cold

ScubaDiving 20210811 Sea Snake.mp4

Anyone recognise it more accurately?

Location : Swanage Pier, Dorset, UK
Depth : abt 4m to bottom
Temperature: 19 degrees.

 

[The Chairman]

I've never seen that coloration on a sea snake. Did you see it swim? Did you make out an actual head?

 

[Searcaigh]

Not very clear to me.

Could it be a sea cucumber Category:Opheodesoma - Wikimedia Commons

 

[Nickorossa]

Hi

The only footage I've got is whats shown above. Didn't see it move, but we didn't hang around it long.

I guess it could be a sea cucumber. I'm pretty new to all this....

Heck, it could be a fake rubber snake for all I know that someone put there for a laugh or dropped off the pier......

Nick.

 

[Vitesse2l]

Looks like a pipefish to me.

Markings seem about right. Only ever seen one though.

 

[Nickorossa]

Never heard of a pipe fish, but after googling it, I think you're probably right with its head on the left side, that looks like it maybe its snout that can be seen too.

Seems more likely than a sea snake. Either way its a cool find.

Thanks.

Nick.

 

[ColoDale]

I think it is a pipe fish by markings and shape. I believe the head is on the left and it does move a bit. However to be sure I would need to see the head and tail better. The pipe fish in the caribbean are smaller than this using the vido camera (go pro?) for scale. Early on in the video I think I can make out a whitish snout. The "corners" on the flat top suggest pipefish also. I say this using experience from the other side of the atlantic.