Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Family Colubridae Higher classification Enhydris | |
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Similar Small‑webbed Bell Toad, Lycodon rufozonatus, Rice paddy snake, Tibetan toad, Mongolian toad | ||
Chinese water snake enhydris chinensis
The Chinese water snake, Chinese smooth water snake, Chinese mud snake or Chinese rice paddy snake (Enhydris chinensis or Myrrophis chinensis) is a species of mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake, endemic to Asia.
Contents
- Chinese water snake enhydris chinensis
- Geographic range
- Habitat
- Conservation status
- Description
- Diet
- Commercial use
- Medicinal use
- References
Geographic range
M. chinensis is found in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Habitat
As the common name suggests, the Chinese water snake is a highly aquatic species, adapting well to human-altered environments such as fish pools and rice paddies.
Conservation status
M. chinensis is considered common, although it has declined in Taiwan and is protected there.
Description
Myrrophis chinensis is a relatively small snake reaching total length (including tail) of up to 80 cm (31 in).
Diet
The Chinese water snake typically feeds on fish and amphibians.
Commercial use
Myrrophis chinensis are harvested for food and skins, but this is not considered to be threatening its populations.
Medicinal use
Myrrophis chinensis is used in folk medicine. It is commonly used in the production of Chinese snake oil. It is known for treating ailments such as fever, joint pain, and headache. It is typically ingested to gain the medicinal effects.
