Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis)

Short answers

Black-necked spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 330×165×165 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).

Black-necked spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot 34–36 °C, at night 21–24 °C.

Black-necked spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended.

Black-necked spitting cobra: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20+ years.

Black-necked 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

34–36 °C

Humidity

45–60 %

UVB

UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 330×165×165 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)

Substrate

Sand-loam, hides, a water basin

Feeding

Food

Frozen-thawed mice and rats

Feeding interval

adults every 10–14 days

Key facts

Adult size

150–220 cm

Life expectancy

20+ years

Origin

Sub-Saharan Africa

Protection status

VENOMOUS – a cytotoxic spitting cobra; a dangerous animal

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly. The species also eats other snakes, strikes at anything that moves when feeding and spits at the slightest disturbance – one animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.

Notes

It spits very accurately and persistently. The venom causes severe tissue damage; eye contact can lead to blindness. Always wear goggles.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) in the marketplace →

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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 330×165×165 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Sand-loam, hides, a water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.