Homalopsidae
Macleay’s Water Snake
Pseudoferania polylepis
A weakly venomous northern Australian water snake that feeds on fish, frogs and crustaceans.
Weakly venomous; large specimens should be treated with caution
Identification and appearance
An olive-brown to almost black water snake, with lighter sides that may be speckled. A dark line runs along the underside of the tail. It lives in and near clear freshwater streams.
Other names
Macleay’s Mud Snake, Smooth Watersnake
Typical length
AROD reports an average of 60 cm and a maximum of 80 cm.
Key identification features
- Olive-brown to almost black upperparts
- Lighter, sometimes speckled sides
- Freshwater stream habitat
Where it is found
North Queensland across to the top end of the Northern Territory; the wider account also includes New Guinea.
Activity
Museum field notes describe it on floating vegetation and mud at night, retreating into mud when disturbed.
Diet
Fish, frogs and crustaceans.
Reproduction
Live-bearing.
Medical significance
For any suspected snakebite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid. Do not wait for identification.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep clear and do not handle it. Use a qualified snake catcher or local wildlife authority if it is trapped near people.
Sources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Macleay’s Water Snake (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Pseudoferania polylepis (2026-09-25)
- Queensland Government — Macleay’s Water Snake (2026-09-26)
- Pseudoferania polylepis account (2026-09-26)
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.