Tentacled snake
Erpeton tentaculatus [orth. error] Lacépède, 1800
Rhinopirus erpeton Merrem, 1820
Homalopsis herpeton Schlegel, 1837
Herpeton tentaculatum Jan, 1860
The tentacled snake or tentacle snake (Erpeton tentaculatum) is a rear-fanged aquatic snake native to Southeast Asia. It is the only species of the genus Erpeton. The two tentacles on its snout are a unique feature among snakes.
The tentacled snake is a relatively small snake, averaging about 50 to 90 cm (20 to 35 in) in length.[3][4] They are known to come in two color phases, striped or blotched, with both phases ranging from dark gray or brown to a light tan. It lives its entire life in murky water.
The tentacled snake is the only species of snake to possess twin "tentacles" on the front of its head, which have been shown to have mechanosensory function.[5] Its diet consists solely of fish.[1]
Although it does have venomous fangs, the tentacled snake is not considered dangerous to humans. The fangs are small, only partially grooved, and positioned deep in the rear of the mouth.[6] The venom is specific to the fish that the tentacled snake eats.[4]
A native of Southeast Asia, the tentacled snake can be found in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.[1][2] The snake lives its entire life in the murky water of lakes, rice paddies, and slow moving streams, and can be found in fresh, brackish, and sea water. A prime example of its habitat is the Tonlé Sap lake in central Cambodia. The water there contains much silt and has a large fish population.
