Tentacled Snake
(Erpeton tentaculatum)

The tentacled snake is a fully aquatic snake and live in the slow moving waterways of southeast Asia. Adult tentacled snakes will only reach lengths of about three feet. The tentacled snake gets its name from the two tentacles at the end of its nose. The purpose of these tentacles is still not clear. They may act as decoys to lure fish, as prey detectors, as both or serve another, unknown function. The tentancled snake is an ambush hunter. The tentacled snake will anchor its tail and twists into a motionless J-shape. While in this J-shape the tentacled snake waits for an unsuspecting fish to swim between its body and head. The tentacled snake then moves its lower body to cause the fish to reflexively turn the opposite way toward the tentacled snake’s mouth. The snake strikes at where it anticipates the fish will be after it turns to swim away.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The tentacled snake is not hard to care for, especially for thos who are experienced in tropical fish keeping.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (20 gallons or more, depending on the number of tentacled snakes kept) with a secure lid
• Aquarium Filter

Substrate, such as:

• Pea gravel

A heating element, such as:

• Aquarium Heater

Enclosure

A 20-gallon aquarium should be sufficient for these aquatic snakes. The aquarium can be set-up as you would for tropical fish. Gravel should be placed on the bottom and either live or articial plants should be provided for the tentacled snakes to anchor themselves. When filling the aquarium with water, allow about two to three inches of air at the top of the aquarium to allow the tentacled snakes to stick their heads out to take a breath. The tentacled snake needs a low flow filter in the aquarium, or will need to have the flow diverted as they do not like moving water. Weekly water chhanges of 25% - 50% of the water with clean dechorinated water are needed as the tentacled snakes are quite messy. A secure screen top can be used to prevent escape. Water quality should be checked regularly.

Heating and Light

An aquarium heater can be used to maintain water temperatures of 83°F to 84°F. A standard fluorescent fixture can be used and the light should be on 12 to 15 hours each day to encourage algae growth. The tentancled snake utilizes the algae to help protect its skin from fungus and is important for a healthy tentacled snake. A basking bulb is not required as this will only serve to dry out the algae.

Diet

Tentacled snakes are completly aquatic and feed exclusively on fish. Feeder fish such as rosy red or other minnow species can be used. Avoid feeder goldfish as goldfish have a thiamine enzyme that will create a vitamin B1 deficiency. Rosy reds and other similar feeder fish should be available at any local pet shop specializing if tropical fish.