Identification
Physical Characteristics:
- Body length approximately 1 meter. Stout build. Head distinct from neck.
- Small eyes located on the top of the head, with vertically oval pupils.
- Nostrils covered by a flap of skin, positioned on the top of the head.
- 25-29 scale rows along the body.
- Pale gray head.
- Cloudy white lips, throat, and belly.
- Bluish-green dorsal surface, with numerous thin, pale gray stripes running lengthwise.
- Sides with a row of large, alternating black-gray markings extending from the back towards the mid-belly.
Biology and Ecology
- Aquatic, commonly found in the Mekong Delta region.
- Feeds on small fish, including goldfish, and amphibians.
- Viviparous, giving birth to live young, with up to 17 offspring per litter.
Distribution
Within Vietnam: Bình Dương, Tây Ninh, Đồng Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Kiên Giang, Sóc Trăng, Cần Thơ, Cà Mau.
Worldwide: Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia.
Value
- Valuable for scientific research.
- Contributes to ecological balance in nature.
Conservation Status
- Population decline due to: habitat degradation from excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and over-hunting.
- Estimated population decline of over 20%.
Classification
- VU A1c,d + 2c,d (Vulnerable)
Conservation Measures
- Reduce harvesting pressure in the wild.
- Minimize environmental pollution.
- Promote breeding programs to meet demand.