Homalopsidae
Chinese Water Snake
HarmlessMyrrophis chinensis
The Chinese Water Snake (Myrrophis chinensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Homalopsidae family, recorded in 7 countries.
- Family
- Homalopsidae
About the Chinese Water Snake
The Chinese water snake, Chinese smooth water snake, Chinese mud snake or Chinese rice paddy snake (Enhydris chinensis or Myrrophis chinensis) is a species of mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake, endemic to Asia.
Geographic range
Enhydris chinensis is found in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Habitat
As the common name suggests, the Chinese water snake is a highly aquatic species, adapting well to human-altered environments such as fish pools and rice paddies.
Conservation status
Enhydris chinensis is considered common, although it has declined in Taiwan and is protected there.
Description
Enhydris chinensis is a relatively small snake reaching total length (including tail) of up to 80 cm (31 in).
Diet
The Chinese water snake typically feeds on fish and amphibians.
Commercial use
Enhydris chinensis are harvested for food and skins, but this is not considered to be threatening its populations.
Medicinal use
Enhydris chinensis is used in folk medicine. It is commonly used in the production of Chinese snake oil.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Chinese Water Snake
- Is the Chinese Water Snake venomous?
- No. The Chinese Water Snake (Myrrophis chinensis) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Chinese Water Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Chinese Water Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Chinese Water Snake dangerous?
- The Chinese Water Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Chinese Water Snake live?
- The Chinese Water Snake has verified records in 7 countries, including China, Chinese Taipei, Viet Nam. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Chinese Water Snake eat?
- The Chinese water snake typically feeds on fish and amphibians.
Where it is found
More Homalopsidae snakes
Bennett's Mud SnakeMyrrophis bennettii
Myrrophis dakkrongensisMyrrophis dakkrongensis
Southeast Asian BockadamCerberus schneiderii
Puff-faced Water SnakeHomalopsis buccata
Rainbow Mud SnakeEnhydris enhydris
Murphy's Mud SnakeHypsiscopus murphyi
Rice Paddy SnakeHypsiscopus plumbeus
Jack's Water SnakeHomalopsis mereljcoxi
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Homalopsidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Myrrophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Myrrophis chinensis
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.