Rough scaled snakes

Also called the Clarence River snake, the Rough scaled snake is found in isolated pockets along the coast of Queensland and northern New South Wales. It is usually found close to water and is active during the day, feeding on frogs and mice. The scales are keeled (hence the name rough-scaled snake) and the body usually greenish brown with dark bands on the back. Average length is about 0.71m, maximum 1.07m. It is sometimes mistaken for the harmless keel back snake (Tropidechis mairii).

• Clarence River snake

The rough scaled snake is considered to be aggressive and may strike rapidly when provoked. The average venom yield is approximately 5.5mg. The venom contains myolytic, coagulant and neurotoxic components and is neutralized by tiger snake antivenom. Several fatalities have occurred as a result of envenomation by this species.

Related Treatments

• Snake bite, Current treatments

Related Venomous creatures

• Snakes, Australian, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes

Journal Articles

• Fleay, D., 'Beware - This Small Snake is Dangerous', Vict. Nat., vol. 77, 1961, pp. 284-287. [ Details... ]
• Miller, D. B., 'A Preliminary Study of the Habits and Venom of Tropidechis Carinatus (Serpentes:Elapidae)', Herpetofauna, May, 1963, pp. 3-7. [ Details... ]
• Reilly, V. M., 'The Rough Scaled Snake (Tropidechis Carinatus)', N. Qld Nat., vol. 31, 1963, p. 4. [ Details... ]
• Trinca, J. C., Graydon, J. J., Covacevich, J. and Limpus, C., 'The Rough-Scaled Snake (Tropidechis Carinatus) a Dangerously Venomous', Australian Snake, The Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 2, 1971, pp. 801-809. [ Details... ]