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Description
Australian Water Python
Liasis fuscus
Common Names: Australian Water Python, Water Python
Species Overview
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Size: Adults typically reach 6–9 feet (1.8–2.7 m), with females generally larger and more robust than males.
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Appearance: Water pythons have smooth, iridescent scales that give them a shimmering, rainbow-like sheen under light. Their base colour is usually dark olive-brown to black, sometimes appearing nearly uniform, with a lighter belly that ranges from cream to yellow. The head is slender and slightly pointed, adapted for aquatic hunting.
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Distribution: Found across northern Australia, including Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia, often in areas close to permanent water sources.
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Habitat: Prefers wetlands, riverbanks, swamps, floodplains, and tropical savannahs, where they spend much of their time near water but are also strong terrestrial hunters.
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Behaviour: Primarily a nocturnal and semi-aquatic predator, feeding on mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Known to be opportunistic and powerful hunters, often ambushing prey at the edges of water.
Captive Care
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Enclosure: A 6’ × 2’ × 2’ enclosure is recommended for adults. Provide sturdy hides, climbing options, and a large water bowl or tub for soaking. A naturalistic enclosure with both aquatic and terrestrial areas is ideal.
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Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime ambient of 80–84°F (27–29°C) with a basking area around 88–90°F (31–32°C). Nighttime temps can drop to 72–75°F (22–24°C). Humidity should be moderate to high, around 50–70%, with good ventilation.
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Diet: In captivity, they thrive on a diet of appropriately sized rodents and, for larger adults, small rabbits. Juveniles should be fed every 7–10 days, while adults are typically fed every 14–21 days.
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Behaviour in Captivity: Australian Water Pythons are generally confident and active snakes. While they can be defensive as juveniles, most become more tolerant of handling with regular care. Their size and activity level make them better suited to intermediate to advanced keepers.
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Special Considerations: These snakes require ample space and environmental enrichment due to their active and semi-aquatic nature.
Species Note
The Australian Water Python (Liasis fuscus) is part of the same genus as the Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus), though it remains smaller and more iridescent. In the wild, they play an important ecological role as predators of rodents and water-dwelling species. Their adaptability to aquatic and terrestrial environments makes them unique among Australian pythons.