Banded File Snake (Acrochordus granulatus)

Ria Tan seems to have lots of luck with Banded File Snakes (Acrochordus granulatus), having sighted them 3 times on the northern shores of Singapore:

Chek Jawa 21 October 2001
Chek Jawa 16 June 2003
Pulau Sekudu 10 July 2005

This nocturnal species inhabits various coastal habitats such as shallow seas, river mouths, estuaries and mangroves (Lim & Lee, 1989; Lim & Lim, 1992; Cox et al., 1998). It feeds on fishes, including eels (Lim & Lee, 1989; Lim & Lim, 1992; Cox et al., 1998).

These live-bearers produce a litter of 5-10 young, averaging 22 cm, after about six months' gestation (Cox et al., 1998). One individual was found to have 7 fully developed embryos in late April (Lim & Lee, 1989). This non-venomous species can grow to about 1 m in length (Lim & Lee, 1989; Lim & Lim, 1992; Cox et al., 1998).

It ranges from India to northern Australia and to Hainan (Cox et al., 1998).

From left to right: Dorsal side of head; Right side of head; Dorsal side of body; Ventral side of body; Dorsal side of tail.

* All photographs by Ms Ria Tan.

References

Cox, M. J., van Dijk, P. P., Nabhitabhata, J. & Thirakhupt, K., 1998. A photographic guide to snakes and other reptiles of Peninsula Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd, p. 12.

Lim, F. L. K. & Lee, M. T. M., 1989. Fascinating Snakes of Southeast Asia – an Introduction. Tropical Press, Kuala Lumpur, p. 30.

Lim, K. K. P. & Lim, F. L. K., 1992. A Guide To The Amphibians & Reptiles Of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, p. 147.