Colubridae
Triangle Water Snake
HarmlessHydrops triangularis
4 photographs of the Triangle Water Snake. © Savita.
The Triangle Water Snake (Hydrops triangularis) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 14 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Triangle Water Snake
Hydrops triangularis, commonly known as the water false coral snake, the triangle water snake or triangle watersnake, and the water coral, is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to northern South America and the Amazon Basin. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
Geographic range
Hydrops triangularis is found in Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Brazil, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Hydrops triangularis is freshwater wetlands in forest and savanna, at altitudes from sea level to 500 m (1,600 ft), but it may also tolerate brackish water.
Description
Hydrops triangularis reaches a maximum size of about 78 cm (31 in). It has smooth dorsal scales, which lack apical pits, and are arranged in 15 rows throughout the length of the body.
Diet
Hydrops triangularis feeds on eels (especially synbranchids) and other freshwater fishes (especially elongated species).
Reproduction
Hydrops triangularis is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Triangle Water Snake
- Is the Triangle Water Snake venomous?
- No. The Triangle Water Snake (Hydrops triangularis) 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 Triangle Water Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Triangle Water Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Triangle Water Snake dangerous?
- The Triangle Water Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Triangle Water Snake live?
- The Triangle Water Snake has verified records in 14 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- What does the Triangle Water Snake eat?
- Hydrops triangularis feeds on eels (especially synbranchids) and other freshwater fishes (especially elongated species).
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
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
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Hydrops
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Hydrops triangularis
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.