Common Mud Snake Malayan
Enhydris plumbea
A small, common freshwater mud snake found throughout Southeast Asia, frequently seen in rice paddies and slow-moving waters.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 30-60 cm (12-24 in)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Malayan Mud Snake is a small, common aquatic colubrid widespread throughout Southeast Asia, closely associated with slow-moving freshwater habitats including rice paddies, ponds, and canals. It is one of the more frequently encountered water snakes in the region due to its adaptability to human-altered wetland habitats.
It is essentially non-venomous or only very mildly so, and considered harmless to humans.
How to identify it
- Small, cylindrical body with smooth to slightly rough scales
- Grayish-brown to olive dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint darker speckling
- Pale underside
- Small eyes positioned high on the head for surface observation while mostly submerged
- Adult length typically 30-60 cm (12-24 in)
Habitat & range
Common in freshwater habitats such as rice paddies, ponds, canals, and slow-moving streams throughout lowland Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Malay Peninsula.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and aquatic, foraging in shallow water and mud for small fish and amphibians. Adapts well to agricultural wetlands such as rice paddies. Reproduction is viviparous, with females giving birth to small litters of live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Malayan Mud Snake venomous?
No, it is considered harmless to humans.
Where is it commonly found?
It is common in rice paddies, ponds, and slow-moving freshwater habitats across Southeast Asia.
What does it eat?
It feeds on small fish and amphibians.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 30-60 cm (12-24 in).
Common Mud Snake Malayan guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Common Mud Snake Malayan.
