How \'bout an obscure species (File Snake)

[telefrag]

yup,
basically in nature they live in slow moving waterways, canals and streams, often at the mouths of waterways that empty into salt water, so they have been found all the way up into fresh water, and all the way out into open ocean.
They can get about 2m long, but averaging 1m, and the water temps they prefer are 26-28.
Also, the book says they lack ventral scales and are completely helpless on land, so a dry area is not needed (hmmmm?) but I keep erpeton, and they lack ventral scales, and they never leave the water and seem none the worse for ware.
Also says they primarily feed on eels and appropriately sized fish.

Book also says they do well in captivity when properly maintained, and need lots of cover and plenty of secure places to anchor to and hide in.
Also says they are nocturnal, and known to be aggressive (haha!)

PH shouldnt really matter as long as its stable, not fluctuating values frequently.

I had an arufae (sp?) many many years ago, and I basically put it in a fish tank (that had fish in it, full of water to the top (with a good screen top) and it did ok, for about a year, then it got some blister disease and that was the end of it.

they seem like cool snakes, too bad more people dont work with them.
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[BWSmith]

They are currently in a quarentine tank at about 77 degrees with some decoration to hide in and hold on to. I added some salt as well, but not enought o make it brackish. The new tank is set up with a sand substrate, multiple dense foliage, sticks and a cave. There are several "stups" coming out of the water and the top of the cave for them to climb out if they are so inclined (young MAY do this I read). A Whisper filter is installed to minimize stress from vibrations with a rockunder the flow to minimize current. I set it up sot hat the ambiant water temp is at about 81. I am now dropping the temps to match the temp tank and will raise them again and the salt content once the snakes are there so it is a seamless transition for them. After the temp and salt content are satisfactory, I will raise the PH in the water. According to Crutchfield, a higher PH will help prevent skin problems. I venture on the side of being high. If fluctuation is the primary point, then that should work an possibly prevent disease. I have heard that the skin disease is the most common cause of death.

We'll just see how it goes form here.

*crossing fingers*


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[skadiwolf]

those are amazing brian, congrats!!! wow, that's really cool. good luck with them, i look forward to hearing how they do. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

btw, can you hook me up with your wife's info. online? i wanna talk to her about her tarantulas. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

blessed be,
skadiwolf )o(

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