Elephant Trunk Snake

The elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus javanicus) is the largest aquatic serpent in Southeast Asia. The adult can measure between 2.50 and 2.70 m long. It lives in freshwater wetland, river, streams and estuaries. It belongs to the genus Acrochordus, subfamily Acrochordidae, and the larger family Colubridae. It does not pose any risk for humans for their bites lack either cytotoxic or neurotoxic venom.

Description

The elephant trunk snake has a thick, stout body, which is grayish black, with the head having darker lines. It also features two longitudinal stripes and elongated dark blotches which run along the sides of its body. However, its belly is cream in color. Its eyes are small, with vertical pupils. Mid-body scale rows are largest around the dorsal side. Tail is prehensile.

The elephant trunk snakes are found in Thailand, peninsula of Malay, Singapur, Java, and Borneo. They lurk at the bottom of rivers and estuaries, hunting for fish.

Below, the Acrochordus javanicus on the ground


 

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Anatomy, Biology, and Health