Water Coral Snake
Micrurus surinamensis
An unusually aquatic coral snake of the Amazon Basin, bearing classic red-black-yellow banding and a potent neurotoxic venom, but rarely encountered due to its semi-aquatic habits.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.1 m (2.3-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Amazon Basin and the Guianas
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Overview
The Water Coral Snake is one of the few true coral snakes adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, found in rivers, streams, and flooded forest throughout the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. It retains the classic vivid banding of the genus Micrurus.
As an elapid, it possesses a potent neurotoxic venom used to subdue fish, its primary prey, and is capable of delivering a medically significant bite, though encounters with humans are rare given its secretive, aquatic habits.
How to identify it
- Vivid banding of red, black, and yellow rings encircling the body in the classic coral snake pattern
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small head barely distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Somewhat flattened tail adapted for swimming
- Distinguished from terrestrial coral snakes by its more aquatic build and habitat association
Habitat & range
Strongly associated with water, inhabiting rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, and flooded forest throughout the Amazon Basin and the Guianas, from lowland to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily aquatic and nocturnal, foraging in water for fish, its main prey, using potent neurotoxic venom to subdue them. Rarely encountered on land. Secretive and non-aggressive, avoiding confrontation when possible. Egg-laying species.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Water Coral Snake dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous with potent neurotoxins, though bites to humans are extremely rare due to its aquatic, secretive habits.
What makes it unusual among coral snakes?
It is one of the few coral snake species strongly adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, feeding mainly on fish.
Where does it live?
Rivers, streams, and flooded forest throughout the Amazon Basin and the Guianas.
What does it eat?
Primarily fish.
Water Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Water Coral Snake.
