Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus) (origin: The Amazon, Guyana, the Lesser Antilles). Adult size around 150–200 cm, slender. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Amazon tree boa: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×100×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, tree boas, arboreal).
Amazon tree boa: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 31–32 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Amazon tree boa: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Amazon tree boa: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Amazon tree boa: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 31–32 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×100×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, tree boas, arboreal)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, plenty of climbing branches at different heights
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm, slender
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- The Amazon, Guyana, the Lesser Antilles
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — cohabitation is documented to cause stress in this species. The concrete reason is also the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same prey item, one can swallow the other along with it. For breeding, bring them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
More robust and adaptable than the tree boas, but usually markedly more bitey. A nocturnal arboreal species with a pronounced prey strike.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Amazon tree boa (Corallus batesii) – Expert
- Emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus) – Expert
- Annulated tree boa (Corallus annulatus) – Expert
- Argentine boa (Boa constrictor occidentalis) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa – Guyana (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa – Peru (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa – Suriname (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×100×200 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, tree boas, arboreal)), substrate (Coco humus, plenty of climbing branches at different heights), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundskopfboa, https://dubiaroaches.com/blogs/snake-care/amazon-tree-boa-care-sheet, https://www.einrichtungsbeispiele.de/terrarium-tiere/suedamerika/corallus-hortulanus-slnk.html
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).