Re: Xenochrophis piscator/Checkered Keelback Husbandry ?

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Posted by Lisa on October 10, 2001 at 13:41:59:

In Reply to: Xenochrophis piscator/Checkered Keelback Husbandry ? posted by Zac on September 30, 2001 at 09:06:15:

Hi Zac,

Sorry I've been so long in replying....

According to the book "Nonvenomous Snakes" by Ludwig Trutnau (which surprisingly covers many dangerously venomous rear-fanged species) has no comments in regards to X. piscator having venom; and it does state that freshly imported keelbacks are aggressive and bite, but will usually settle down. It does say that in the wild, when threatened it raises its upper body, flattens its throat like a cobra, and darts at the opponent to bite "in a flash".

However, since a sister species X. vittatus is reported to have a venomous bite akin to "being stung by lots of bees"; and a related snake, the Tiger Keelback Rhabdophis tigrinus is considered a dangerously venomous snake - caution when handling X. piscator is probably not a bad idea.

As far as keeping them - like Nerodia is a good plan... They are egg layers.... don't need hibernation... 75-86 degree daytime temp range with a basking spot is suggested... eat fish and frogs - sometimes eats mice.... gets up to 4ft long...

Hope that helps...

Cya later,

Lisa

: Hello,

: I picked up a pair of these snakes at the last ohio show. Was wondering on their toxicity, i believe that it is extremely minor in nature and really eqivalent to a bee sting. Am i on the right track here? I plan on keepiing them in the smae kind of setup i have my Nerodia in (60% land/40% water). ?ANybody out there keep these guys? Thanks

: Zac

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: Hi Zac, : Sorry I've been so long in replying.... : According to the book "Nonvenomous Snakes" by Ludwig Trutnau (which surprisingly covers many dangerously venomous rear-fanged species) has no comments in regards to X. piscator having venom; and it does state that freshly imported keelbacks are aggressive and bite, but will usually settle down. It does say that in the wild, when threatened it raises its upper body, flattens its throat like a cobra, and darts at the opponent to bite "in a flash". : However, since a sister species X. vittatus is reported to have a venomous bite akin to "being stung by lots of bees"; and a related snake, the Tiger Keelback Rhabdophis tigrinus is considered a dangerously venomous snake - caution when handling X. piscator is probably not a bad idea. : As far as keeping them - like Nerodia is a good plan... They are egg layers.... don't need hibernation... 75-86 degree daytime temp range with a basking spot is suggested... eat fish and frogs - sometimes eats mice.... gets up to 4ft long... : Hope that helps... : Cya later, : Lisa : : Hello, : : I picked up a pair of these snakes at the last ohio show. Was wondering on their toxicity, i believe that it is extremely minor in nature and really eqivalent to a bee sting. Am i on the right track here? I plan on keepiing them in the smae kind of setup i have my Nerodia in (60% land/40% water). ?ANybody out there keep these guys? Thanks : : Zac

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