African File Snakes: Everything You Need to Know

African file snakes are a type of colubrid snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. African file snakes get their name from their long, slender body which is tapered at both ends, giving them a “file-like” appearance. They are typically light brown or olive in color with black markings. African file snakes are nonvenomous and typically grow to be about 2-3 feet in length. African file snakes are not considered to be a threat to humans and are generally docile in nature. African file snakes are known to eat small rodents, lizards, and birds.

African file snakes are found in a variety of habitats including forests, savannas, and rocky areas. They are typically active durig the day and spend most of their time in trees or on the ground. African file snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females will lay a clutch of 2-12 eggs which hatch after about 60 days. African file snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Are African File Snakes Venomous?

The Cape file snake is not venomous. It is a highly successful predator of other snakes, easily following a scent trail and apparently immune to all venom. It also preys on small vertebrates.

african file snake

What Does A File Snake Eat?

File snakes feed almost exclusively on fish. They move slowly at night, poking thir heads in and out of holes in mangroves and riverbanks. Prey selection depends on the size of the snake, with larger specimens ingesting fish up to 1 kilogram in weight. File snakes have a long, narrow snout that is ideal for catching slippery prey in tight spaces. They kill their prey by strangulation or suffocation, then swallow it whole.

What Do African File Snakes Eat?

African file snakes prey on frogs, lizards, and oher snakes, including venomous ones.

How Big Do File Snakes Get?

File snakes are a large and impressive species of snake found in Sumatra, Indonesia. Adult males typically measure 46 inches (118 cm) in snout-vent length, whle females average 53 inches (135 cm). However, these snakes can reach up to 9.5 feet (290 cm) in total length. They have dark brown backs and cream-colored sides and bellies.

Where Are File Snake Found?

The file snake is found in northern Australia and New Guinea. It is a water-dwelling snake that lives in both fresh and salt water. It is often found in mangrove swamps and estuaries.

How Long Does A Cape File Snake Live?

Cape file snakes (Enhydris capensis) are long, slender snakes that inhabit southern Africa. They are non-venomous and generally live for around 15-20 years. These snakes are active durig the day and prefer to live in arid environments near water. They feed mainly on lizards, but will also eat small mammals, birds, and eggs. Cape file snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Upon hatching, the young snakelings are independent and must fend for themselves.

What Does Arafura File Snake Eat?

The Arafura file snake eats a variety of fish, including both fresh and carrion specimens. They have also been known to eat other small prey items, such as lizards or frogs. The snakes typically kill their prey by constriction before eating it.

Is A Marine File Snake Poisonous?

File snakes, which are found in marine environments, are not poisonous. In fact, none of the three file snake species has a bite that can harm a person. File snakes spend nearly teir entire lives in the water and use their small, sharp teeth to feed on small fish and other prey they find there.

African File Snake

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David Bordallo

David Bordallo is a senior editor with BlogDigger.com, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has a keen interest in education and loves to write kids friendly content. David is passionate about quality-focused journalism and has worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years. He has written for some of the biggest blogs and newspapers in the world. When he's not writing or spending time with his family, David enjoys playing basketball and golfing. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin and currently resides in Anaheim, California