Fishing Snake
Pseudoeryx plicatilis
A heavy-bodied, strongly aquatic colubrid of South American wetlands specialized for catching fish and eels.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Northern and central South America
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Overview
The fishing snake is a highly aquatic, non-venomous colubrid found in wetlands across northern and central South America. Its stout build and small eyes reflect a lifestyle spent almost entirely in water.
It is harmless to humans and rarely leaves aquatic habitats except to bask.
How to identify it
- Stout, cylindrical body, olive-brown to grayish above
- Pale, often yellowish underside
- Small eyes positioned high on the head for underwater vision
- Smooth scales
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from other water snakes by its unusually thick, muscular build
Habitat & range
Found in swamps, marshes, flooded forests, and slow rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, typically in lowland areas below 500 m.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Almost exclusively aquatic and largely nocturnal, hunting fish and eels underwater using a strong constricting grip. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fishing snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
What does it eat?
Primarily fish and eels captured underwater.
How aquatic is it?
It is almost entirely aquatic, rarely leaving water except to bask.
Where is it found?
In wetlands and slow-moving waters of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
Fishing Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Fishing Snake.
