Tentacled snakes born at the National Zoo

The newest additions at the Reptile Discovery Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are eight tentacled snakes, born Oct. 21 to parents that have not produced viable young in the past four years. Tentacled snakes are aquatic, produce live young and are ambush hunters. They use their tails to anchor themselves underwater and wait for prey. They get their name from the unique tentacles on their snout that allow them to pick up vibrations from nearby fish.

Tags: reptiles, Smithsonian's National Zoo, snakes