Identification:
The body of this snake is pale olive-gray or bluish-gray dorsally, abruptly transitioning to yellow ventrolaterally. The upper ventral surface is opaque white or pale yellow with central black spots; the underside of the tail has a single, central black stripe. The snout is broadly rounded, and the head does not differ significantly from the body. The body is cylindrical or oval, short, thick, and robust, with smooth scales. Body length is approximately 56 cm.
Biology and Ecology:
This species is active both day and night, feeding on fish and amphibians. Each litter contains 6-30 offspring, with hatchlings measuring 8-13 cm in length and resembling adults in coloration. This snake is typically found in ponds, ditches, and freshwater marshes, and can also be found at elevations up to 1,200 meters.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Found throughout the country, most common in the Mekong Delta region.
- Global: Distributed across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Conservation Status:
Populations remain relatively common in the wild.