Aquatic Coral Snake

Appearance

3-colored, adults usually 0.8 to 1.0 m long (max. 1.35 m). Snout compressed, head swollen posteriorly, and eyes and nostrils situated more dorsally than those of other coral snakes. Head mostly red (scales edged w/ black), body w/ red rings separated by 5 to 8 complete triads, each w/ a wide middle and 2 narrow black rings, separated by 2 narrow cream or yellowish rings. Rarely, some head scales keeled or divided. Tail w/ more than 1 complete triad.

Distribution

Occurs throughout much of the Orinoco and Amazon drainages of Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, ]and most of northern and central South America.

Behavior

Swims very well and can remain submerged for extended periods. Mainly nocturnal, but may be active during the day. Flattens body, curls and raises tail when disturbed. Reportedly not usually aggressive, but will quickly defend itself if disturbed or restrained.

Habitat

Found in lower montane wet forest & tropical rain forest along streams, rivers or bodies of water. Most common in wet lowland forested areas, from near sea level to about 600 m elevation.

Reproduction

Oviparous w/ clutch size not reported (probably less than 20 eggs).

Food

Eats mainly swamp eels, other boney fishes, & probably other snakes (and amphibians), as available.

Defense

Mainly potent neurotoxins, w/ myonecrotic factors, and a neurotoxic factor that appears to mainly affect cranial nerve centers. This species is large enough to bite major human body surfaces, not just fingers or toes. It causes a number of serious human envenomations annually within its range. Its bite has been reported to cause human fatalities.