Family : CYLINDROPHIIDAE
Species : Cylindrophis ruffus
Maximum Size : 90 cm

References : H1, H2

This is a lowland species, generally preferring swampy, forested habitats but is also found in agricultural areas. It leads a burrowing lifestyle; its body shape, being cylindrical in cross-section, is ideally suited. It feeds mainly on other snakes and eels, and is a good swimmer.

The body is dark but iridescent, with indistinct pale bands, and the blunt tail has reddish colouration which it displays when threatened. (In these photos the red pigment cells have faded). The head is short and blunt, and of similar shape to the body. The eyes are small.

The Red-tailed Pipe Snake ranges from Burma, Thailand, Indochina and southern China to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi.