SUMMARY
VENOM: Very mild - no known danger
PREVALENCE: Not common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Active both day and night
KEY ID FEATURES: Olive to brown body with black markings, white belly with black stripes
BEHAVIOR: Aquatic, may be found near marsh water, not aggressive but can bite and if handled
SIZE: Small - ~60cm
IUCN: DD - Data Deficient
OTHER: Can be mistaken with other water snakes but not easily confused with venomous species
QUICK ASSESSMENT 0-10
GALLERY
IMPORTANT: Many snakes have significant variance in coloration and pattern even within the same species. There can also be extreme differences in appearance from juveniles to adults so it is important to never assume you have properly identified a snake.
DESCRIPTION
Mangrove Water Snakes are dark brown or olive with black markings on top and white to yellow bellies with black stripes running horizontally. They have a rounded head with strong jaws helpful for hunting fish. Nostrils and eyes evolved on top of the head due to their aquatic nature. Generally not exceeding 60 cm when mature. Smooth scales and soft feel to the underbelly. Though technically venomous, reactions are rare in humans and usually consist of minor localized swelling and in more extreme cases mild nausea or dizziness.
BEHAVIOR
Active both day and night Mangrove Water Snakes come out to hunt fish in mangrove and tidal water bodies. Active periods may coincide with tides. Not quick to bite or musk when approached or handled and despite being mildly venomous they are not considered dangerous to humans though it should be noted that envenomations can cause mild symptoms including nausea and localized swelling.
HABITAT
Found largely Lantau near marshes and tidal mud flats the Mangrove Water Snake is a less common snakes to encounter in Hong Kong.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: Can be mistaken for some other aquatic snakes but generally not confused with dangerously venomous species.