Husbandry of the little file snake, Acrochordus granulatus

Abstract

Aquatic snakes of the family Acrochordidae are unusual in terms of appearance, biology, and natural history. In spite of many attractive and fascinating features, there are few zoological exhibits of acrochordid snakes, and as a result many aspects of their husbandry are poorly understood. The present paper summarizes aspects of acrochordid biology related to health and welfare of captive snakes, with emphasis on the little file snake, Acrochordus granulatus. Several key points emerge having crucial relevance to successful husbandry. (1) File snakes are sensitive to low temperatures and to rapid thermal change. Captive snakes do well when maintained at water temperatures of 27–30°C and will not thrive if water temperatures are below 25°C. (2) File snakes can be kept in either fresh water or seawater. Snakes in sea or brackish water dehydrate, however, and must be allowed to drink fresh water periodically. If snakes from marine populations are maintained in saline water, 60–70% seawater is recommended. In all cases, water should be filtered or changed periodically to maintain quality. (3) File snakes feed almost exclusively on fishes which are usually captured in body coils. Snakes are more inclined to feed well if live prey are offered in shallow water where they are more easily captured. (4) File snakes are nocturnal and prefer quiescent seclusion within darkened refugia during daylight hours. Providing snakes with refugia such as sections of PVC pipe (which simulate burrows) helps reduce stress and improves the chances of snakes feeding regularly. (5) Snakes tend to burrow, and they locomote by crawling as well as by swimming. Use of sharp or rough materials in aquaria should be avoided because of possible skin abrasion which increases permeability and provides sites for bacterial infection. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.