# Puff-faced Water Snake

> Puff-faced Water Snake (Homalopsis buccata). The puff-faced water snake occurs in tropical Southeast Asian waters; head shape and wet habitat matter more than colour alone.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/homalopsis-buccata/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/homalopsis-buccata/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Puff-faced Water Snake (*Homalopsis buccata*) is a reptile in the family Homalopsidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Riau, Central Java. Diet: eater of small fish and frogs; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Homalopsis buccata* |
| Indonesian name | Ular Air Belang |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Homalopsidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Riau, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 296 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/8885291) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — eater of small fish and frogs · [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/puff-faced_water-snake.htm) |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Homalopsis&species=buccata) |
| Venom or poison | Mildly venomous (weak venom for people) · [Cook-Price, Makchai & Suwanwaree 2026, Snakes of Ko Pha-ngan in the Surat Thani Province, Thailand (Biodivers Data J)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13586848/) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [Puff-faced Water Snake - Homalopsis buccata, Ecology Asia (Nick Baker)](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/puff-faced_water-snake.htm) |

## What is the Puff-faced Water Snake?

Puff-faced Water Snake refers to Homalopsis buccata, in the genus Homalopsis, family Homalopsidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/8885291)

## What is known about the Puff-faced Water Snake?

The puff-faced water snake occurs in tropical Southeast Asian waters; head shape and wet habitat matter more than colour alone.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homalopsis%20buccata)

## How many Indonesian records name the Puff-faced Water Snake?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 296 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=8885291&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Riau, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=8885291&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Puff-faced Water Snake?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Puff-faced Water Snake with Double-spotted Gecko, Common Wolf Snake, Indo-Chinese Rat Snake. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Puff-faced Water Snake

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Homalopsidae |
| Genus | *Homalopsis* |
| Species | *Homalopsis buccata* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Puff-faced Water Snake

### What is the scientific name of the Puff-faced Water Snake?

The scientific name of the Puff-faced Water Snake is *Homalopsis buccata*, in the family Homalopsidae. In Indonesian it is called Ular Air Belang.

### What kind of animal is the Puff-faced Water Snake?

The Puff-faced Water Snake is a reptile in the family Homalopsidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a eater of small fish and frogs.

### Where does the Puff-faced Water Snake live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Puff-faced Water Snake summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Riau, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Puff-faced Water Snake eat?

The Puff-faced Water Snake is a eater of small fish and frogs. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/puff-faced_water-snake.htm).

### How does the Puff-faced Water Snake reproduce?

The Puff-faced Water Snake reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Gives birth to live young; the eggs hatch inside the mother rather than being laid. Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Homalopsis&species=buccata).

### Is the Puff-faced Water Snake venomous?

Yes. The Puff-faced Water Snake is mildly venomous (weak venom for people). A rear-fanged snake; its venom is weak and mainly used to subdue prey such as fish and frogs, but a bite can still cause a wound. Source: [Cook-Price, Makchai & Suwanwaree 2026, Snakes of Ko Pha-ngan in the Surat Thani Province, Thailand (Biodivers Data J)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13586848/).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### Is the Puff-faced Water Snake nocturnal?

The cited source records the Puff-faced Water Snake as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [Puff-faced Water Snake - Homalopsis buccata, Ecology Asia (Nick Baker)](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/puff-faced_water-snake.htm).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Puff-faced Water Snake?

Scientific classification of the Puff-faced Water Snake: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Homalopsidae, genus *Homalopsis*, species *Homalopsis buccata*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Puff-faced Water Snake endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Puff-faced Water Snake is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/8885291), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Puff-faced Water Snake is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/8885291)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=8885291&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/29910)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homalopsis%20buccata)
5. [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/puff-faced_water-snake.htm)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Homalopsis&species=buccata)
7. [Cook-Price, Makchai & Suwanwaree 2026, Snakes of Ko Pha-ngan in the Surat Thani Province, Thailand (Biodivers Data J)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13586848/)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Double-spotted Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-monarchus/)
- [Common Wolf Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lycodon-capucinus/)
- [Indo-Chinese Rat Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptyas-korros/)
- [Yellow-lipped Sea Krait](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/laticauda-colubrina/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Puff-faced Water Snake. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/homalopsis-buccata/