Checkered Keelback

Checkered Keelback Latest News

A team from the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden recently recorded the first case of albinism in the checkered keelback (Fowlea piscator), also called the Asian water snake, in Assam.

About Checkered Keelback

• The Checkered keelback, also known commonly as the Asiatic water snake,  is a medium-sized nonvenomous snake native to Asia.
• Scientific Name: Fowlea piscator
• Distribution: 
  • It is typically found in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 
  • It is found in almost all parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
• Habitat: Freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and rice fields.
• Features:
  • It has a slender and elongated body, making it agile and fast. 
  • The average length is around 3-4 feet, and it weighs between 200-500 grams. 
  • Its body is stout and covered with keeled scales on the upper side. 
  • Its colour is olive-brown, olive-green or yellow, usually with black patches. 
  • Sometimes it is found in red too. 
  • Its underside is off-white or light yellow. 
  • Its head pointed and slightly broader than the neck. 
  • Its diet mainly consists of fish, frogs, and small reptiles.
• IUCN Ref List: Least Concern

Source: TH

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