Wildlifeof China
Chinese Water Snake
Keelbacks & Water Snakes
Photo: Lawrence Hylton · CC BY 4.0
Myrrophis chinensis
Basic stats
Diet
Fish and amphibians
Habitat
Highly aquatic; fish pools and rice paddies
Range
Southern China, Taiwan and northern Vietnam
Size
Up to 80 cm
The Chinese water snake (Myrrophis chinensis) is a mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake of southern China, Taiwan and northern Vietnam. In China it is recorded from Hong Kong, Hainan, Fujian and Zhejiang. It is highly aquatic and adapts well to human-altered habitats such as fish pools and rice paddies. (The Reptile Database; Wikipedia, general species account)
It is a relatively small snake, up to 80 cm in total length, and typically feeds on fish and amphibians. It is harvested for food and skins and used in folk medicine, but this is not considered a threat to its populations. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Chinese Water Snake eat?
- Fish and amphibians
- What habitat does the Chinese Water Snake live in?
- Highly aquatic; fish pools and rice paddies
- Where is the Chinese Water Snake found?
- Southern China, Taiwan and northern Vietnam
- How big is the Chinese Water Snake?
- Up to 80 cm