Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone here has kept Erpeton tentaculatum and/or Homolapsis buccata. I've seen the tentacled snakes every so often in classifieds and at some herp exhibits, but never really found any care info on them. As for Homolapsis buccata, Ben Siegel seems to have several albino and leucistic forms, but I've never seen a normal or heard anything about their husbandry either. If anyone has experience to share or could point me to some web resources pertaining to these, I'd really appreciate it.

I have kept Erpedon. They do well in lower PH water that is contains tannins and rotting vegetation. A piece of driftwood is a definite plus. Temp 76-80*F. Too "Clean" a tank will result in the developement of a fatal Blister disease. The disease can be reversed by medication or by placing the snake back in tannin rich water. If kept correctly. they do well on guppies, small shinners and goldfish.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Thanks, I'm not planning on getting any at the moment but I definately keep my eyes open for them. Can you give me a ballpark idea what pH would be ideal? From your description, I was thinking maybe 6.0-6.3? Thanks again for the info.

Exact PH is not that critical. Just over 7.0 is acceptable if you keep the other factors up. These snakes LOVE what you would call dirty water. But a small areator in the tank-No filter.

Also, these snakes are slow moving ambush feeders, A five gal tank is suitable for one. The wood and/or water plants are also there for the snake to anchor on. They can have problems feeding if the food has too much room to avoid them.

By the way, the Dallas Zoo has a very nice breeding colony.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Be sure to treat any water that goes in there with Amquel or some other Chlorine remover.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Thanks, I might try my hand at them next time I see some now.