| Chinese water snake | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Homalopsidae |
| Genus: | Enhydris |
| Species: | E. chinensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Enhydris chinensis (Gray, 1842)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The Chinese water snake, Chinese smooth water snake, Chinese mud snake or Chinese rice paddy snake (Enhydris chinensis or Myrrophis chinensis) is a species of mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake, endemic to Asia.
Enhydris chinensis is found in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.[2]
As the common name suggests, the Chinese water snake is a highly aquatic species, adapting well to human-altered environments such as fish pools and rice paddies.[1]
Enhydris chinensis is considered common,[1] although it has declined in Taiwan and is protected there.[3]
Enhydris chinensis is a relatively small snake reaching total length (including tail) of up to 80 cm (31 in).[3]
The Chinese water snake typically feeds on fish and amphibians.[3]
Enhydris chinensis are harvested for food and skins, but this is not considered to be threatening its populations.[1]
Enhydris chinensis is used in folk medicine.[4] It is commonly used in the production of Chinese snake oil.
