Acrochordus – Java wart snakes

Found across Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of Indonesia, this aquatic reptile spends nearly its entire life in water. Unlike most snakes, which have smooth, shiny scales, Acrochordus species are covered in rough, loose, baggy skin that feels like sandpaper—hence the nickname “file snake.” This strange texture isn’t just for looks; it helps the snake grip slippery fish underwater, its favorite meal. Its body is thick and muscular, perfectly adapted for swimming, while its small, flattened head and tiny eyes give it a distinctly prehistoric appearance. It’s almost as if it never got the memo that evolution was moving on—it looks and moves like something out of an ancient river.

What truly sets the Acrochordus apart is how specialized it is for life beneath the surface. This snake rarely, if ever, leaves the water. Its nostrils are positioned high on its snout, allowing it to breathe while keeping most of its body submerged, and it can stay underwater for over 30 minutes without surfacing. Unlike most snakes, it doesn’t have belly scales for crawling on land—proof that it’s a fully aquatic species. Instead, its wrinkly, bag-like skin gives it a hydrodynamic advantage, allowing it to maneuver smoothly through murky rivers and swamps. Because it lives in still or slow-moving waters, it’s often found in mangroves, rice paddies, and muddy riverbanks where it can blend in with the surroundings. Its movements are slow and deliberate, but when it strikes, it’s lightning-fast—wrapping around fish with its rough skin and preventing them from slipping away.

Unlike many snakes, Acrochordus species are non-venomous—they rely on brute strength and stealth to catch their prey. They’re mostly nocturnal hunters, using sensitive skin receptors to detect the slightest movement in the water. Interestingly, these snakes are quite docile and rarely aggressive, even when handled, which makes them favorites among certain snake enthusiasts and researchers.