Elephant Trunk Snake
Acrochordus javanicus
A wholly aquatic snake with loose, baggy, wrinkled skin covered in tiny rough scales, giving it a texture reminiscent of an elephant's trunk.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2.5 m (5-8.2 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The elephant trunk snake is a highly specialized, fully aquatic species named for its thick, loose, wrinkled skin that resembles the texture of an elephant's trunk. It is virtually helpless on land, having evolved almost exclusively for life in water.
It is non-venomous and not aggressive toward humans, relying on its rough, granular scales to grip slippery fish prey rather than any toxin.
How to identify it
- Thick, baggy, loose-fitting skin with numerous folds and wrinkles, especially when out of water
- Dorsal coloration typically brown, gray, or grayish-brown, often with a granular, non-glossy texture
- Covered in small, rough, non-overlapping granular scales rather than smooth or keeled scales, giving a sandpaper-like feel
- Small eyes and nostrils positioned high on the head, adapted for staying mostly submerged
- Stout, heavy body that appears awkward and nearly immobile on land
- Adults typically 1.5-2.5 m in length
Habitat & range
Almost entirely aquatic, inhabiting rivers, estuaries, mangroves, and coastal waters throughout Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Tolerates both fresh and brackish water and is rarely found far from permanent water bodies.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and almost never leaves water voluntarily, being extremely awkward and vulnerable on land. Diet consists entirely of fish, which are gripped and held using the snake's rough, granular scales before being swallowed.
A live-bearing species, giving birth to relatively large litters that can number in the dozens. Generally not aggressive toward humans.
Frequently asked questions
Is the elephant trunk snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and captures fish using its rough scales rather than venom.
Why is it called the elephant trunk snake?
Its loose, baggy, wrinkled skin resembles the texture of an elephant's trunk.
Can the elephant trunk snake move on land?
It is poorly adapted for land movement and is almost entirely aquatic, rarely leaving the water.
Where is the elephant trunk snake found?
It inhabits rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters across Southeast Asia.
Elephant Trunk Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Elephant Trunk Snake.
