Reptile · Colubrid
Elephant trunk snake care guide
Acrochordus javanicus
The elephant trunk snake is a expert-level colubrid from Southeast Asia. Adults reach 150–250 cm and live 10–20 years in captivity. A fully aquatic file snake requiring a large filtered tank; imports often fail. Solitary.
- Enclosure 180 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Water 26–29°C
- Humidity 80–90%
How much does a elephant trunk snake cost in Canada?
Elephant trunk snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 150–250 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Water 26–29°C
- Humidity
- 80–90%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Piscivore – live fish
- Bioactive style
- Semi-aquatic (paludarium)
Elephant trunk snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (71 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-aquatic (paludarium) bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix5 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Quantities assume about half the floor is land. The water half needs a filter and regular partial water changes.
Temperature: Water 26–29°C. Humidity: 80–90%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a elephant trunk snake eat?
Piscivore – live fish. Offer live fish every 7–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Fully aquatic and should not be handled out of water.
Health watch: Watch for skin infections from poor water quality.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check water and air temperature; feed according to species.
Weekly
- Change 20–30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
- Rinse filter sponge in old tank water (never tap water) as needed.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter on land; prune plants at the waterline.
Yearly
- Service the pump/filter fully.
Recommended for a elephant trunk snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 60 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 5 cm
Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Malaysian Drift Wood
Bridges water and land; easy exit from the water
Cork Bark Flats
Shelter on the land section
Elephant trunk snake FAQ
Is the elephant trunk snake good for beginners?
No – the elephant trunk snake is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Fully aquatic and should not be handled out of water.
What size enclosure does a elephant trunk snake need?
At least 180 × 60 × 60 cm (about 71 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a elephant trunk snake cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $1020–1850 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–700 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a elephant trunk snake need?
Temperature: Water 26–29°C. Humidity: 80–90%.
What does a elephant trunk snake eat?
Piscivore – live fish. Offer live fish every 7–14 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.