| Keelback | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Tropidonophis |
| Species: | T. mairii |
The Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii) is a non-venomous snake found throughout Northern Australia; it is also known as the freshwater snake. It resembles two venomous snakes, the Taipan and the Rough-scaled snake, and this has obviously assisted its evolution. It rarely grows over one metre and feeds mainly on amphibians and small lizards. It is also one of the only snakes that can eat Cane Toads, up to a certain size, without effect.
It is not to be confused with Amphiesma vibakari ruthveni, which is called the Asian Keelback or Japanese Keelback. Also not to be confused with the keelbacks' of the genus Rhabdophis