Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) (origin: Sub-Saharan Africa – savannah and rocky areas). Adult size around 250–350 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Black mamba: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 350×265×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, mambas).
Black mamba: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Black mamba: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Black mamba: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Black mamba: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 350×265×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, mambas)
- Substrate
- Soil and sand, stable climbing branches, large hides
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 250–350 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Sub-Saharan Africa – savannah and rocky areas
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – an extremely fast-acting neurotoxin, usually fatal without antivenom; a dangerous animal, and several German states prohibit keeping it
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
One of the most dangerous snakes in the world: very fast, very defensive, a high venom yield, and rapidly setting-in respiratory paralysis. Strictly for designated specialists with secured access to antivenom and an emergency plan.
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Related species
- Eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) – Expert
- Jameson's mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni) – Expert
- Western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
- Barnett's lancehead (Bothrops barnetti) – Expert
- Usambara bush viper (Atheris ceratophora) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 350×265×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, mambas)), substrate (Soil and sand, stable climbing branches, large 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwarze_Mamba, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Dendroaspis&species=polylepis
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).