Elephant Nose Snake????

[KITKAT]

Anyone ever seen this species of snake, or know anything about them? This guy showed up at our local aquarium store. He is apparently 100% aquatic... never crawls out on land. The store owner knows nothing about these snakes, and I cannot find anything on google either.



The scales are weird too... they are kinda like little points that stick up.

[Josh]

cool looking scales

[Stefan-A]

Nice find. Acrochordus sp.

Acrochordidae - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Morph]

Nice find. Acrochordus sp.

Acrochordidae - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An interesting centance on Wikipedia:

Numerous attempts have been made by both zoos and private reptile collectors to keep them, but in all cases, they have been reluctant to feed and prone to skin infections.

[Stefan-A]

I noticed that too. Follow the link in wikipedia, it will tell a bit more about the problems.

[GarterGirl]

Wow!

That is one cool snake!
I don't no anything about them!
Are they endangered?

[Morph]

I think its amazing. the link given on wikipedia says that they are a strong snake and yet can't carry thier body weight on land.

[sschind]

Here is a link to a website dedicated to them.

Pictures and Captive husbandry Information on the Care of Acrochordus filesnakes. acrochordus javanicus arafura arafurae granulatus filesnake

[Serpentine99]

That person who wrote that website that you posted sschind, made it sound like they are absolutely hopeless to keep in captivity.

[sschind]

I haven't really looked at the site but I don't doubt your assessment. I did see on another site though that they claimed they were relatively easy once acclimated.

I think this is one of those species that is best left in the wild. Like WC mandarin ratsnakes and draco lizards (among others) Granted there is a guy who has succeeded in not only keeping draco lizards but breeding them (much like Marcia and the mountain horned dragons several years ago) but the majority of these are destined to a slow death in captivity simply because the general public is not aware of what it takes to keep them. It's a double edged sword I guess. If none are imported we don't have the opportunity to learn about them but if they are imported most are doomed because of our lack of knowledge. Personally I like the doom and gloom approach. For animals that are delicate, make it sound like they are impossible. This will hopefully scare off many who are not so dedicated. If someone is still interested then tell them what needs to be done.

There are plenty of animals out there that make wonderful pets for the average person without having to resort to purchasing something that is impossible for all but the most dedicated to take care of.