The false water cobra is a rear-fanged venomous colubrid species native to South America. The reference to 'cobra' in its neame refers to the snakes ability to flatten the sides of its neck into a hood shape when threatened, much like a true cobra. They are highly food motivated, attain a large adult size and are not a suitable choice as a starter species. They do tame down well but care must always be taken due to the prescence of rear-fanged venom.