Ashe's spitting cobra (Naja ashei)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Ashe's spitting cobra (Naja ashei) (origin: Ostafrika (Kenia, Südsomalia, Südäthiopien, NO-Uganda, NO-Tansania, Südsudan); trockenes Tiefland). Adult size around 200–270 cm (the largest spitting cobra). Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Ashe's spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 405×205×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Ashe's spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot 35–37 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Ashe's spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Ashe's spitting cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Ashe's spitting cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–37 °C
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 405×205×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, very stable hides
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 200–270 cm (the largest spitting cobra)
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- Ostafrika (Kenia, Südsomalia, Südäthiopien, NO-Uganda, NO-Tansania, Südsudan); trockenes Tiefland
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a spitting cobra with a very large venom yield; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. African spitting cobras also eat other snakes and strike at anything that moves when feeding; with such a large species that spits so readily, one animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
The world's largest spitting cobra, described only in 2007. A very large venom yield – and correspondingly high risk. Mind the space requirement.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Indian cobra (Naja naja) – Expert
- Chinese cobra (Naja atra) – Expert
- Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) – Expert
- Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) – Expert
- Cape cobra (Naja nivea) – Expert
- Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) – Expert
- Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Ashe's spitting cobra (Naja ashei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 405×205×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Sand-loam, very stable hides), 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://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=ashei, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashe%27s_spitting_cobra, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-necked_spitting_cobra, https://academy.herpeton.net/en/caresheets/snakes/naja-naja/
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).