Common Smooth-Scaled Water Snake
Enhydris plumbea
A small, mildly venomous, aquatic colubrid common in the rice paddies, ponds, and waterways of Southeast Asia.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and parts of southern China
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Overview
The Common Smooth-Scaled Water Snake is a small, aquatic colubrid widespread across Southeast Asia, frequently found in agricultural wetlands such as rice paddies. It is considered mildly venomous, with rear-fanged dentition, but poses minimal risk to humans.
It is one of the more commonly encountered water snakes in the region due to its tolerance of human-altered wetland habitats.
How to identify it
- Smooth, glossy scales, often grayish, brownish, or olive in color
- Sometimes marked with faint darker spotting or a subtle pattern
- Stocky, cylindrical body adapted for aquatic life
- Head only slightly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils, positioned somewhat dorsally for surface viewing
- Distinguished from other water snakes by smooth scale texture and regional distribution
Habitat & range
Common in rice paddies, ponds, canals, ditches, and slow-moving freshwater bodies throughout Southeast Asia. Thrives in both natural wetlands and human-modified agricultural water systems.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, foraging in water for prey and resting in burrows, mud, or vegetation during the day. Feeds mainly on fish and amphibians, including frogs and their larvae. Reproduction is viviparous, with live young born in or near water.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Common Smooth-Scaled Water Snake dangerous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs but poses minimal risk to humans due to its small size and limited venom delivery.
Where is it commonly found?
It is widespread in rice paddies, ponds, and canals throughout Southeast Asia.
What does it eat?
It feeds primarily on fish and amphibians, including frogs and tadpoles.
Is it active during the day?
No, it is mostly nocturnal, foraging at night and resting during the day.
Common Smooth-Scaled Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Common Smooth-Scaled Water Snake.
