Reptile · Colubrid
Tentacled snake care guide
Erpeton tentaculatum
The tentacled snake is a expert-level colubrid from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. Adults reach 50–90 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Fully aquatic aquarium snake; needs a filtered, heated, planted tank. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Water 26–29°C
- Humidity 80–90%
How much does a tentacled snake cost in Canada?
Tentacled snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 50–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Water 26–29°C
- Humidity
- 80–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Piscivore – live fish
- Bioactive style
- Semi-aquatic (paludarium)
Tentacled snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 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: Recommended.
What does a tentacled snake eat?
Piscivore – live fish. Offer several live small fish every 3–5 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Fully aquatic; should not be handled. Mildly venomous to fish.
Health watch: Watch for skin infections and stress if water quality drops.
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 tentacled snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 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
Tentacled snake FAQ
Is the tentacled snake good for beginners?
No – the tentacled snake is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Fully aquatic; should not be handled. Mildly venomous to fish.
What size enclosure does a tentacled snake need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a tentacled snake cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $550–1040 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a tentacled snake need?
Temperature: Water 26–29°C. Humidity: 80–90%.
What does a tentacled snake eat?
Piscivore – live fish. Offer several live small fish every 3–5 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.