Description:
Scientific name: Liasis fuscus
Life span: 20 – 30 years
It is powerfully built, with a long head that is marginally different from the neck. There are thermosensitive pits on the anterior supralabials. On either side of the skull, there are two undivided parietal scales and one loreal scale. In the middle of the body, there are 45–55 dorsal scales, 270–300 ventral scales, a solitary anal scale, and 60–90 paired subcaudal scales.
A consistent, iridescent dark blackish brown dorsal color makes up the color pattern. The first few rows of dorsal scales are located on the dull to bright yellow belly. The upper labials are light gray-brown with dark brown or black patches, and the throat is cream in hue.
Native Region/Habitat
They are in the Kimberley region of Australia, which extends from the Broome area to the east to the Northern Territory and at least as far south as Mataranka to the coast of central Queensland, close to Mackay. In addition, they were found on Cornwallis Island, in the Sir Charles Hardy Islands, and in the lower Fly River region of the Western District of Papua New Guinea, at least as far inland as Lake Daviumbo. It can also be found in the Papuan province in southern Indonesia.
Behavior:
Despite its common moniker, many people spend the majority of the year living far from water. Since they are mostly nocturnal, they seek cover in hollow logs, riverside dens, and foliage throughout the day. The majority of animals try to scurry into any body of water when startled.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Because water snakes don’t inject venom when they bite, you can relax and stop worrying about it. Consequently, it is safe for kids to handle the snakes. Particularly in captivity, water snakes are also incredibly submissive.
- Water snakes need a bigger tank because they can get up to 5 feet long. In a 30-gallon aquarium, you can usually keep one or two water snakes. At one end, set a Rubber-Maid water jug.
- Fish, frogs, salamanders, other tiny amphibians, and sporadically even small mammals like shrews and mice make up the food of water snakes. Stick to feeding feeder goldfish or minnows to a pet snake. These are likely to be available in pet and bait stores.
- Water snakes don’t need light, however a 60 watt light bulb will heat the pebbles up well, and the snakes will enjoy basking in it. Additionally, a water heater is advised, but stay away from “hot rocks.” We don’t want the snakes to become overheated.
Table
