Eunectes notaeus

Robust, secure, custom-built semi-aquatic terrarium / paludarium combining a large water area and a dry land area.

Minimum dimensions for an adult; bigger is always preferable, especially for a female. The length of the tank should at least equal that of the snake. Lockable closures: a strong animal capable of forcing its way out. A dry, warm land area is essential to prevent scale rot.

High humidity, ensured largely by the body of water, but the land area must remain relatively dry to prevent dermatitis.

On the land section. Replace it as soon as it becomes soiled or soaked: prolonged contact with damp substrate causes scale rot. Many keepers opt for a simple, easy-to-clean substrate, since the animal often defecates in the water.

Not strictly essential but beneficial: low to moderate UVB (Ferguson zone 1-2, ~UVI 1-2) recommended for metabolism and well-being. Provide shaded areas and replace the lamp according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A large pool allowing full immersion of the body. Dechlorinated water kept clean (effective filtration or frequent changes), at ~26-28 °C. Strict hygiene: the animal often defecates in the water, which quickly degrades quality and promotes infections.

South America, the Paraguay River basin and the Pantanal (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). A PROTECTED species: listed on CITES Appendix II and EU Annex B — CITES documents/certificates are mandatory for keeping and transfer. Many specimens on the market come from wild captures: favour captive-bred (CB) animals, which are better acclimatised and less parasitised.

Carnivore (piscivore / opportunist) — Fish, rodents, birds, small reptiles and amphibians; young caimans in the wild

Offer a varied diet. Avoid feeding exclusively on raw fish (risk of thiamine / vitamin B1 deficiency linked to thiaminase): include warm-blooded prey (rodents, birds). Watch for overfeeding, as the species is prone to obesity.

Seasonal breeding triggered by a slight winter cooling. Litters of 10 to 40 neonates, exceptionally more. Gravid females should be monitored (thermoregulation, feeding refusal).

• Scale rot (bacterial dermatitis) linked to poorly managed humidity / lack of a dry area
• Respiratory infections (inadequate thermal parameters, soiled water)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot)
• Obesity from overfeeding
• Internal and external parasites, common in wild-caught specimens