Aquatic Coral Snake

The Aquatic coral snake is found throughout much of the Orinoco and Amazon drainages of Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, ]and most of northern and central South America.

Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Aquatic coral snake, cobra-coral aquatica

Distinguishing Features

One of largest and stoutest of all coral snakes, 3-colored, adults usually 0.8 to 1.0 m long (max. 1.35 m). Snout compressed, head swollen posteriorly, and eyes and nostrils situated more dorsally than those of other coral snakes. Head mostly red (scales edged w/ black), body w/ red rings separated by 5 to 8 complete triads, each w/ a wide middle and 2 narrow black rings, separated by 2 narrow cream or yellowish rings. Rarely, some head scales keeled or divided. Tail w/ more than 1 complete triad.

Geographical Range

Occurs throughout much of the Orinoco and Amazon drainages of Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, ]and most of northern and central South America.

Habitat

Found in lower montane wet forest & tropical rain forest along streams, rivers or bodies of water. Most common in wet lowland forested areas, from near sea level to about 600 m elevation.

Life History

Swims very well and can remain submerged for extended periods. Mainly nocturnal, but may be active during the day. Flattens body, curls and raises tail when disturbed. Reportedly not usually aggressive, but will quickly defend itself if disturbed or restrained. Oviparous w/ clutch size not reported (probably less than 20 eggs). Eats mainly swamp eels, other boney fishes, & probably other snakes (and amphibians), as available.

Comments

Mainly potent neurotoxins, w/ myonecrotic factors, and a neurotoxic factor that appears to mainly affect cranial nerve centers. This species is large enough to bite major human body surfaces, not just fingers or toes. It causes a number of serious human envenomations annually within its range. Its bite has been reported to cause human fatalities.