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A ringed water cobra is a rather secretive and rarely visible snake to people. Note that the information on the habitats of this species of reptile is quite contradictory. According to some experts, the cobra lives exclusively in small water bodies, while others insist that the main habitat of these snakes are large water sources.
Ringed water cobra belongs to a large family of water snakes, respectively, the color of this waterfowl reptile is characteristic of representatives of this group. Also, like other cobras, this water snake has a characteristic part of the body - a swelling hood. The cobra got its name due to the presence of wide black rings that are located throughout the body of the snake. Note that this type of cobra is one of the largest, the main place of distribution is the African continent. A snake bite is deadly to humans.
Appearance
The shape of the ringed cobra is quite dense, the color is contrasting, very bright and attracting attention. The main color of the body of the snake is dark yellow, almost brownish. The belly of the reptile is pale yellow. The tail is completely black. The entire body of the reptile is decorated with characteristic black rings, which are often found only in those species of reptiles whose habitat is the African continent. In its appearance, the ringed water cobra resembles such a kind of snake as a giant Brazilian one, which is why, in fact, often inexperienced tourists or travelers confuse this species. However, these reptiles have completely different habitats.
The size of the water cobra is quite large, which is why this species can compete with other African cobras - up to 2.7 m in length. The body shape of the snake is cylindrical, rather heavy, tapering closer to the tail. The surface of the skin is very smooth and shiny, which is why this reptile is very much appreciated by professional snake catchers. As a rule, snake skin is used to create expensive accessories.
Spread
The main habitat of the species is the reservoirs of equatorial Africa. However, this type of reptile is found not only near water bodies, but also at a fairly large distance from the water, which is rare for a crane. Most often, this snake chooses well hidden, secluded places for its habitat.
Behavior features
The snake shows great activity in the daytime, although if necessary it hunts with the onset of twilight. This reptile is not aggressive, the snake bites only in rare cases.
The depth to which this water snake is able to dive is quite significant - up to 7 meters, while the time spent under water reaches 10 minutes. Although this reptile is quite mobile in water, it is very slow on land. If she felt the danger was approaching, she would prefer to hide on land. If it is not possible to escape from danger, the snake, as a rule, assumes a warlike pose, which implies raising the body with the simultaneous inflating of the skin hood, accompanied by a loud hiss. Note that a cobra will never be attacked first, in order for it to do this, a reptile must be provoked.
The bite of a water snake is very dangerous for human health and life, characterized by a paralytic effect, accompanied by tissue necrosis.
Power Features
Reproduction of the species
Today, very little is known about the breeding process of this water snake. So far, it has not been studied what the average number of eggs in the clutch, the duration of incubation. Under captive conditions, this type of reptile is very rare and today its representatives are found in only a few large world zoo centers.
Known information about this type of snake suggests that cobras are egg-laying reptiles, offspring are born immediately poisonous, the feeding of young snakes is carried out exclusively by small fish.
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