When a night diver dipped into the waters off\u00a0Komodo island, Indonesia, he saw what looked like a living piece of\u00a0algae slither towards him. It was a predator in disguise: a marine file snake.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of my favourite features of the marine file snake is its unique camouflage,\u201d said underwater videographer\u00a0John Roney<\/a>\u00a0in a post on\u00a0Instagram<\/a> in 2025. “Its rough skin traps algae, giving it a green, mottled appearance that blends perfectly with mangroves and seagrass.\u201d<\/p>\n Although marine file snakes aren\u2019t a true\u00a0sea snake<\/a>, they are fully aquatic.\u00a0<\/p>\n These serpents are so slow-moving that algae<\/a> settles on their skin, providing them with a unique form of camouflage<\/a>, said Roney: \u201cThis coating forms because the snake spends long periods motionless, waiting to ambush passing fish.\u201d<\/p>\n Footage shows the marine file snake moving across the seafloor near Komodo island in Indonesia. Credit: John Roney <\/p>\n Image and video credit: John Roney<\/a> | @roneydives <\/a><\/p>\n More amazing wildlife stories from around the world<\/p>\n