Banded water cobra (Naja annulata)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Banded water cobra (Naja annulata) (origin: Zentral- und Westafrika (Kamerun, Gabun, Äquatorialguinea, Zentralafrikanische Republik, Kongo, DR Kongo, Cabinda, Ruanda, Burundi, Tanganjikasee); Flüsse und Seen). Adult size around 200–270 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Banded water cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 405×205×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras); with a large water section.
Banded water cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 31–33 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Banded water cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Banded water cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Banded water cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 31–33 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 405×205×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras); with a large water section
- Substrate
- Damp substrate, a very large water basin for swimming
Feeding
- Food
- Fish, frozen-thawed mice (they need switching over)
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 200–270 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- Zentral- und Westafrika (Kamerun, Gabun, Äquatorialguinea, Zentralafrikanische Republik, Kongo, DR Kongo, Cabinda, Ruanda, Burundi, Tanganjikasee); Flüsse und Seen
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. One animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution for a large venomous snake: when feeding it strikes at anything that moves, and during every task – including at the water basin – you must know where the animal is. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
A semi-aquatic cobra that hunts mainly fish. It needs a large, securely covered water basin – keeping it is markedly more work than with land cobras.
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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 Banded water cobra (Naja annulata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 405×205×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras); with a large water section), substrate (Damp substrate, a very large water basin for swimming), 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banded_water_cobra, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=annulata, 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).