Identification:
The head of this snake is quite distinctive; the large scales are often loose. The small eyes are located close to the snout, with vertical elliptical pupils. The body is robust and cylindrical, with raised scales on the dorsal surface and smooth ventral scales. The body color is light gray, with a dorsal pattern of light brown or dark olive-green. This pattern consists of numerous dark circular spots, or sometimes transverse bands. A black streak extends from the eye to the neck. The ventral surface is pale yellow and has numerous black spots, or is largely dark gray.
Biology and Ecology:
This snake inhabits mangrove forests (Rhizophoraceae family), brackish estuaries, and occasionally offshore brackish waters. Its primary diet consists of fish. Each litter contains 8-26 young snakes, which are 17-25 cm in length and resemble the adults.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Khánh Hoà (Ninh Hoà), Bà Ria – Vũng Tàu, Ho Chi Minh City, Kiên Giang (Hà Tiên), Minh Hải (Năm Căn, U Minh).
- Worldwide: Distributed across most coastal areas of tropical Asia, from India, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines to Australia.
Conservation Status:
Population numbers are low, and conservation measures are needed in the natural environment.