Homalopsidae
Bockadam
Cerberus australis
Bockadam is a northern Australian water snake recorded from coastal Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Revised accounts describe variable grey to red colouration, with plain or partly patterned forms and a possible stripe behind the eye.
Weakly venomous (rear-fanged)
Identification and appearance
A water snake with eyes positioned high on the head and closable nostrils. The 2012 revision describes grey to reddish animals with variable bands or spots, while some are plain. A dark mark may extend behind the eye.
Other names
Australian Bockadam
Typical length
AROD lists a species average of 60 cm and a maximum of 120 cm; these figures do not establish a typical adult interval.
Key identification features
- Variable grey to red colouration
- Eyes on top of the head
- Valves over the nostrils
Where it is found
Coastal areas of north Australia, from the tip of Cape York Peninsula west to the Kimberley.
Activity
Mainly nocturnal.
Diet
Fish.
Reproduction
Live-bearing.
Medical significance
Weakly venomous rear-fanged water snake; large specimens should be treated with caution and a suspected bite needs urgent medical assessment. Call 000 and follow snakebite first aid for any suspected bite.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep clear and let the snake move away. Do not handle it or attempt to remove it from water, fishing gear or a net; contact qualified local wildlife help if intervention is needed.
Sources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Cerberus australis (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Cerberus australis (2026-09-25)
- The dog-faced water snakes: revision of Cerberus (2012) (2026-09-25)
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.