Tlilcoatl

Tlilcoatl: The Black Serpent of the Swamps

The Tlilcoatl (“Black Snake”) or Acoatl (“Water Snake”) is a massive, powerful serpent lurking in the swamps and waterlogged caves of Mexico.

Appearance

• Gigantic in size—so thick that a man’s arms can barely wrap around it.
• Glossy black scales that shimmer ominously in the darkness.
• Large head with blazing eyes and beard-like appendages similar to the barbel.
• Bifurcated tail, split like a forked tongue.

Deadly Hunting Methods

The Tlilcoatl is a ruthless predator that feeds mostly on fish—but it does not hesitate to drown and devour humans. It employs several terrifying hunting techniques:

1. Suction Trap:

   • The powerful mouth of the Tlilcoatl can generate a vacuum strong enough to pull in prey from a distance.
   • Once caught, the victim is dragged underwater and devoured.

2. Venomous Spit:

   • The snake can spit venom at passers-by, paralyzing them long enough to suck them in and drown them.

3. Bait and Ambush:

   • The Tlilcoatl digs out a small pool, stocks it with fish, and lurks nearby, waiting for thieves.
   • It pretends to leave, luring people into stealing the fish.
   • If someone dares to approach, the serpent stands erect, detects the thief instantly, and chases them down—moving so fast that it appears to fly over the grass.
   • Once caught, the Tlilcoatl shoves both ends of its bifurcated tail into the victim’s nostrils (or any other opening) before squeezing the life out of them.

How to Survive a Tlilcoatl

Though nearly unstoppable, the Tlilcoatl does have one weakness. If pursued, a person can hide inside a hollow tree.

• The Tlilcoatl will coil around the unyielding trunk and squeeze with all its might.
• In its fury, the snake crushes itself to death.

Stealing from the Tlilcoatl is a dangerous game—but for those who know its fatal flaw, it is possible to outwit the deadly serpent and live to tell the tale.