Mountain Water Snake (non-venomous)

Description: A medium- to large-sized snake, averaging 70-90 cm in total length, but may reach 110 cm. Ground colour dark brown or olive brown, with up to 36 black or brownish bands which fork dorsally. Bands may be indistinct on top of dorusm, but are well marked with pale borders on the lower flanks. Dorsal scales strongly keeled. Ventrals whitish or greyish, with dark incomplete bands. Flanks of juveniles pinkish, with sharp black bands. The bright juvenile coloration fades with age. Labials and side of neck yellow. Tail long.

Habits and habitat: Inhabits moderate to steep hill and mountain streams that have small waterfalls, large pools of varying depth and moderate to swift current. Usually nocturnal. A powerful swimmer, most often seen swimming in stream pools at night or inside catchwaters. Juveniles are known to leave streams and travel overland. An aggressive snake, which bites readily when handled. Like Sinonatrix aequifasciata, is capable of climbing vegetation, but these two species seldom occur together.

Diet: In captivity feeds well on frogs and occasionally on fish.

Reproduction: Oviparous. One female was reported to contain 6 eggs.

Distribution: First recorded in Hong Kong in 1970. Widely distributed in the central, western and southern New Territories, but is rather uncommon. So far not recorded from Lantau Island or Hong Kong Island. Occurs in southern China, and from northern Burma to Vietnam.

Diagnostic features: Slender body build; dark brown above; black banding on flanks; elongated head; chin and throat yellow.