What Pet Snake Breeds Eat Fish?

If you want a pet snake but the idea of feeding mice makes you uneasy, you might be wondering which snake species can eat fish instead. Fish based diets are an attractive alternative for many aspiring snake owners, and there are actually several species that do well on a primarily fish based diet. Here is what you need to know about fish eating pet snakes.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are the most popular and accessible fish eating pet snakes. In the wild, they eat a varied diet that includes fish, earthworms, frogs, and salamanders. In captivity, many garter snake keepers feed a combination of fish pieces and earthworms as the primary diet, with occasional other food items for variety.

The best fish options for garter snakes include tilapia, salmon, and trout cut into appropriately sized pieces. Frozen silversides (small whole fish sold at pet stores) are another convenient option. It is important to avoid feeding goldfish or other feeder fish that contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the snake’s body. Prolonged feeding of thiaminase containing fish can lead to a serious B1 deficiency.

Garter snakes make excellent pets overall. They are active, curious, friendly, and one of the few snake species that can be kept communally. They stay relatively small (usually 2 to 3 feet) and come in some beautiful color variations.

Ribbon Snakes

Ribbon snakes are closely related to garter snakes and share a similar diet that includes fish, frogs, and worms. They are more slender and agile than garter snakes, with distinctive stripes running the length of their body. They tend to be a bit more active and nervous than garter snakes, but with regular gentle handling, they can become reasonably tame.

Ribbon snakes eat the same types of fish as garter snakes, and the same warnings about thiaminase apply. A varied diet that includes fish pieces, earthworms, and the occasional frog or toad (from safe, pesticide free sources) keeps them healthy and well nourished.

Water Snakes

Various species of water snakes (Nerodia genus) are primarily fish eaters in the wild and can be maintained on fish based diets in captivity. Northern water snakes, banded water snakes, and brown water snakes are some of the species occasionally kept as pets. They are semi aquatic and need enclosures with both land and water areas.

Water snakes are not the easiest pets, though. They tend to be defensive and quick to bite when handled, especially wild caught individuals. They are also messy eaters and produce a lot of waste, which means their enclosures need frequent cleaning. For experienced keepers who do not mind the extra maintenance, water snakes can be interesting and rewarding pets. But for beginners, garter snakes are a much better starting point.

Tentacled Snake

The tentacled snake is one of the most unique looking snakes in the world, with a pair of tentacle like projections on its snout that it uses to detect fish in murky water. These fully aquatic snakes feed exclusively on fish and are fascinating to watch hunt. They use a remarkable ambush strategy where they position their body in a J shape and wait for fish to swim past.

Tentacled snakes are very much a specialist pet. They need a fully aquatic setup with clean, warm water and a supply of small live or freshly killed fish. They are not widely available in the pet trade and are best suited for experienced aquatic snake keepers. But for those who can provide the right setup, they are one of the most interesting fish eating snakes you can own.

Important Tips for Feeding Fish to Snakes

If you decide to keep a fish eating snake, there are a few important nutritional considerations. First, avoid fish that contain thiaminase, including goldfish, rosy red minnows, and some species of smelt. Thiaminase destroys vitamin B1, and a diet heavy in these fish can cause neurological problems and even death over time. Safe fish options include tilapia, salmon, trout, and commercially sold silversides.

Second, a fish only diet may not provide complete nutrition for all species. Many fish eating snakes benefit from diet variety, including earthworms, frogs (captive bred only), and occasionally other prey items. Supplementing with a reptile multivitamin can also help fill any nutritional gaps. Check out our guides on snakes that do not eat mice and popular pet snake breeds for more options.