Wildlifeof China
Little File Snake
Pipe, Blind & Burrowing Snakes
Photo: coenobita · CC BY 4.0
Acrochordus granulatus
Basic stats
Diet
Small fish, snails, and crustaceans
Habitat
Shallow coastal, estuarine, brackish, and freshwater habitats; usually at depths of 4–20 m
Range
Coastal Southeast Asia, Indonesia, northern Australia, and surrounding islands
Clutch size
1–12 young; average 6
Incubation period
5–7 months gestation
Size
0.6–2.43 m long; average about 1 m
Weight
69–191 g
The little file snake is a fully aquatic snake distributed through coastal Southeast Asia, Indonesia, northern Australia, and nearby islands. It inhabits shallow marine and estuarine waters but tolerates brackish and fresh water as well. Its loose, granular skin and stout body are characteristic of file snakes, while its aquatic specialization makes movement on land difficult. Individuals are generally encountered underwater at depths between four and twenty metres, where they remain closely associated with submerged environments. (Animal Diversity Web)
This nocturnal predator feeds principally on small fish, snails, and crustaceans. Rather than laying eggs, females retain developing young and give birth after a gestation lasting approximately five to seven months. A reproductive event can produce between one and twelve offspring, with six reported as the average, and females may reproduce only once every two years. The young receive no parental care after birth and must immediately function independently within their aquatic habitat. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Little File Snake eat?
- Small fish, snails, and crustaceans
- What habitat does the Little File Snake live in?
- Shallow coastal, estuarine, brackish, and freshwater habitats; usually at depths of 4–20 m
- Where is the Little File Snake found?
- Coastal Southeast Asia, Indonesia, northern Australia, and surrounding islands
- How many eggs does the Little File Snake lay?
- 1–12 young; average 6
- How long are the eggs of the Little File Snake incubated?
- 5–7 months gestation
- How big is the Little File Snake?
- 0.6–2.43 m long; average about 1 m
- How much does the Little File Snake weigh?
- 69–191 g