This sea krait frequents coral reef habitats, where it can explore tight spaces for prey, as it has a short head, thick trunk, and no easily discernible neck.

Too slow to pursue prey in open water, black-banded sea kraits hunt primarily by exploring the small spaces within coral reefs, in an effort to find hidden fish or other appropriately-sized animals.

This meticulous scouring of the narrow nooks and crannies within a reef is similar to the hunting behaviors of some of the sea krait's main prey choices, such as the moray eel.

[9] It is in these cryptic spots where, by cover of darkness (and usually guided only by lantern light), elderly women—who are the most experienced at preparing irabu-jiru—explore the dangerous caverns in pursuit of black-banded sea kraits, which the ladies catch with their bare hands.

[9] Some areas may contain hundreds of the snakes, some engaged in active breeding balls, yet the women hike through the caves barefoot or with minimal protective gear.

They are placed in a cloth bag, alive, and later quickly dispatched and prepared in a simple broth with kombu or other edible kelp, and possibly a bit of pork.