Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone else keep Oocatochus rufodorsatus? I just picked up 1.1 of this species and they're really cool snakes.
I'm keeping them in small plastic cages as they are hatchlings. The substrate is ground coconut and sphagnum, and they have some leaflitter and branches for cover. Also, a water bowl large enough for them to fit in comfortably, as I hear they are semi-aquatic. Yesterday, the female ate a few pinks without a problem. The male hasn't eaten yet, but I've only had them for a day now so I'm not concerned.
I've only found a few sites with very limited information on them. Any advice or information would be appreciated.

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Roy Blodgett
Green Man Herpetoculture
royreptile@yahoo.com

1.1 Drymarchon corais
1.1 Pseustes sulphureus
1.1 Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus
0.0.1 Coluber mormon
1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
1.0 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila
1.1 Corytophanes cristatus
1.2 Varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Mt.Isa)
2.3 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
1.0 Iguana iguana

“All men lie enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.”- Herman Melville

Roy:
If the male continues to refuse food then try scenting the pinks with goldfish. Rufodorsata are fish-eaters and live-bearers(sort of like our garter snakes but according to their DNA they are somewhat related to ratsnakes.
Keep us updated on their progress. By the way nice picture.
Best regards
John

>>Does anyone else keep Oocatochus rufodorsatus? I just picked up 1.1 of this species and they're really cool snakes.
>>I'm keeping them in small plastic cages as they are hatchlings. The substrate is ground coconut and sphagnum, and they have some leaflitter and branches for cover. Also, a water bowl large enough for them to fit in comfortably, as I hear they are semi-aquatic. Yesterday, the female ate a few pinks without a problem. The male hasn't eaten yet, but I've only had them for a day now so I'm not concerned.
>>I've only found a few sites with very limited information on them. Any advice or information would be appreciated.
>>
>>-----
>>Roy Blodgett
>>Green Man Herpetoculture
>>royreptile@yahoo.com
>>
>>1.1 Drymarchon corais
>>1.1 Pseustes sulphureus
>>1.1 Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus
>>0.0.1 Coluber mormon
>>1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
>>1.0 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila
>>1.1 Corytophanes cristatus
>>1.2 Varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Mt.Isa)
>>2.3 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
>>1.0 Iguana iguana
>>
>>“All men lie enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.”- Herman Melville

I don't persoanlly keep them but can offer up a little info on them.

Rufordorsata are from North-East China and Korea through Manchuria to the Eastern Amur where there found as John says near ponds, paddy fields and flooded area. There prey consists of frog, fish and small mammals.
Because of there love of water a larger than average water bowl is needed and will be used for bathing. The substrate must be kept dry other wise they develop bacterial infections.

Temps: 24-30C
Hibernation: 3 months @ 15C
Breeding: Introduce as soon as you bring them out of hibernation when copulation will occur almost immediately this usually last several hours.

Gestation is around 100-110 days and an average of 15 babes are born ... a second litter can be produced

Babies are born at around 17 - 20cm and weigh approx 2.4g

Neat looking species and great photo's
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The Ratsnake Foundation Online Society

Thanks to both of you for providing that information. I really appreciate it. I will post some more photos of them in time.
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Roy Blodgett
Green Man Herpetoculture
royreptile@yahoo.com

1.1 Drymarchon corais
1.1 Pseustes sulphureus
1.1 Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus
0.0.1 Coluber mormon
1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)
1.0 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila
1.1 Corytophanes cristatus
1.2 Varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Mt.Isa)
2.3 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)
1.0 Iguana iguana

“All men lie enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.”- Herman Melville