Keelback Snakes

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Although I don't have any Keelbacks myself, I thought I'd share with you the information I have about them. They are the next snake I will acquire when circumstances permit. Suggestions welcome.

Keelback Snakes (Tropidonophis mairii)

These fascinating little snakes are found on the Northern coastal areas of Australia, from the Kimberleys in the West, to Northern New South Wales in the East. They're always near permanent water, and have the ability to stay submerged for over twenty minutes.

In colour, they can be grey, black, olive, yellow to brown. They have a pattern of dots or bands, and sometimes look almost chequered.

Keelbacks are a small snake, growing to just under a metre in total length. They are oviparous, laying up to 17 or 18 eggs. Most breeding is done in the wet season, although they can breed year round.

Females are sometimes found with eggs, so there is a possibility of maternal care. It is also thought that they are one of the few snakes which nest communally. The eggs hatch at approximately 70 days, the hatchlings measuring 12-15cm.

An unusual feature of the Keelback is its ability to drop its tail when threatened, although unlike lizards, it doesn't grow back. It can also emit a very bad odour from its anal glands.

If you're going to keep a Keelback, you will need to replicate its natural habitat. To do this, you'll need a large aquarium or a cage in which you can put a water container sufficiently large to allow the snake to swim.

Thanks to Wrasse for permission to reproduce this photo of Jaws.

Keelbacks are only semi-aquatic, so it will spend some of its time on dry land, and this is also where it will lay its eggs. It will need something to hide under, a way of getting easily into and out of the water, and a log to climb and bask on. The snake will also need heating, as it is from Northern Australia.

Keelbacks feed mostly on frogs and tadpoles, although fish and lizards are also taken. In captivity, they are often fed small carp, but this should be varied if possible. It may be possible to train them to take mice or rats. In the wild, this snake is one of the few predators able to eat cane toads.

Unfortunately, the Keelback is not very tolerant of being handled, so it is more a display snake than is a python, for example. They are, however, a very active and inquisitive snake, so can give you many hours of enjoyment watching them.

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