What type of animal is the Atretochoana? In English, atretos means imperforate - and imperforate means not perforated. To put it even more plainly - it means that there's no normal opening. The animal called Atretochoana seems like something without an opening - so that's why it was named that way. As an animal that looks like a snake, the Atretochoana can grow quite long - up to about 30 inches in length. In spite of looking like a snake (which is a reptile), the Atretochoana is not a reptile - and is therefore not related to snakes. It is actually an amphibian. Excited to learn more about the Atretochoana? Have a copy of this book and learn exciting information about this animal!