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Sea snakes might spend their lives surrounded by water but ultimately quench their thirst with fresh water from rainfall, according to biologists at University of Florida. 

The findings contrast with the accepted belief that marine vertebrates have evolved their system to use salt water to meet their water requirements. 

"These snakes refuse to drink salt water, even when dehydrated," said lead researcher professor Harvey Lillywhite in the press release. "They need fresh water to survive."

Even the current physiology textbooks mention that marine reptiles drink sea water. According to books they distill the water by excreting excess salt via salt glands. However researchers said "no sea snake we have tested drinks sea water."

Researchers studied Yellow-bellied Sea Snake for three years as it was the most widely distributed pelagic sea snake inhabiting in tropical oceans. 

Researchers believe that snakes happen to sense the rainfall somehow.

"We think they almost certainly know that it rains because their behavior changes during the approach of a tropical storm as the atmospheric pressure changes," Lillywhite said.

After or during the rain, sea snakes surface to take a sip of fresh water. The amount of intake certainly varies and sometimes they end up taking small amounts up to 25 percent of their body mass.

"Understanding the water requirements and drinking behaviors of marine vertebrates could help with conservation efforts," Lillywhite added. "In areas of intensifying drought, they will need to move or die out."

The research has been published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.