It is reported to be very common around Bangalore, North Arcot district (Tamil Nadu) and Kakinada area in Andhra Pradesh.

A. schistosum is a small, robust snake with thin head, short snout and slit nostrils placed rather high.

A. schistosum is distinguished by a number of scale characteristics:[2] It can easily be confused with olive forest snake (Rhabdops olivaceus).

The olive keelback feeds mainly on frogs, tadpoles, fish and crabs which it catches with a side-stroke motion that is characteristic of watersnakes.

The snake swims past the prey and suddenly snaps its head to the side.

The eggs, which are white, soft and 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in) in length, are laid in clutches of 10 to 32 in the months January to April.