Puff-Faced Water Snake
Homalopsis buccata
A bold, patterned Southeast Asian water snake with a distinctive puffed facial appearance, common in ponds and waterways.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 80-120 cm (31-47 in)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Puff-Faced Water Snake is a robust, boldly patterned homalopsid found in freshwater habitats throughout Southeast Asia. Its common name refers to its somewhat puffy, rounded facial appearance caused by prominent jaw musculature and head shape.
It is rear-fanged and mildly venomous, primarily adapted for subduing fish and amphibian prey, and is not considered dangerous to humans under normal circumstances.
How to identify it
- Stout body with a distinctive puffed, rounded facial profile
- Grayish to brownish base color patterned with dark crossbands or blotches, often with an intricate reticulated design
- Eyes positioned high on the head
- Rough, slightly keeled scales
- Adult length typically 80-120 cm (31-47 in)
Habitat & range
Found in ponds, marshes, canals, rice paddies, and slow-moving rivers throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Adapts well to both natural wetlands and human-modified aquatic habitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and aquatic, foraging for fish, frogs, and other small aquatic prey. Uses mild venom from rear fangs to subdue prey. Reproduction is viviparous, with females giving birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Puff-Faced Water Snake venomous?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs but is not considered dangerous to humans.
Where is it found?
It occurs in freshwater habitats throughout Southeast Asia.
What does it eat?
It feeds on fish, frogs, and other small aquatic prey.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 80-120 cm (31-47 in).
Puff-Faced Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Puff-Faced Water Snake.
