Acrochordidae

Acrochordidae is a family of non-venomous, aquatic snakes commonly known as file snakes or reef snakes. They are found in freshwater and brackish water habitats in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Northern Australia. These snakes are unique in their adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle and are easily recognizable by their distinctive, file-like scales and their ability to breathe underwater for extended periods.

Little File Snake – Acrochordus granulatus

Characteristics

Acrochordidae snakes possess several adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle. Their bodies are cylindrical and somewhat flattened, with a laterally compressed tail. The most distinctive feature is their skin, which is covered in small, overlapping scales that feel like sandpaper, hence the name "file snakes". These scales lack the typical overlapping arrangement found in other snakes and are more closely set, creating a rough, file-like texture. They also have a unique, mucus-covered skin that helps them grip slippery surfaces and aids in underwater respiration.

Acrochordidae have a unique method of breathing underwater. They can absorb oxygen directly through their skin, which is highly vascularized. They can also hold their breath for a significant amount of time by storing air in their lungs. Their nostrils are located on the top of their snouts, allowing them to breathe while submerged. They are generally slow-moving and spend most of their time lying in wait for prey. These snakes are mostly nocturnal and feed on fish, eels, and frogs.

Environment

Acrochordidae snakes are primarily found in freshwater and brackish water environments such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and estuaries. They are also sometimes found in coastal marine habitats but prefer areas with abundant vegetation and submerged structures for hiding. These snakes prefer shallow waters with abundant vegetation and prefer to remain submerged for extended periods. They are known to be relatively tolerant of brackish and saline water conditions and can even survive in saltwater for short periods.

Species

The family Acrochordidae includes only two genera and six recognized species:

  • Acrochordus
    • Acrochordus arafurae (Arafura File Snake)
    • Acrochordus granulatus (File Snake)
    • Acrochordus javanicus (Javan File Snake)
    • Acrochordus kuhl (Kuhl's File Snake)
  • Enhydris
    • Enhydris bennettii (Bennett's Water Snake)
    • Enhydris plumbea (Lead-Colored Water Snake)

References

Reptile Database: Acrochordidae
IUCN Red List: Acrochordidae
Discover Life: Acrochordidae