Cantil (Agkistrodon bilineatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Cantil (Agkistrodon bilineatus) (origin: Mexico to Central America). Adult size around 70–100 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Cantil: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×60 cm.
Cantil: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Cantil: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Cantil: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Cantil: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×60 cm
- Substrate
- A soil and leaf-litter mix, hides, a shallow water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 70–100 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Mexico to Central America
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- No pronounced rest period
- 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
Warmer than its North American relatives. The young lure with a yellow tail tip. Considered very ready to defend itself.
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Related species
- Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) – Expert
- Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) – 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
- Ottoman viper (Montivipera xanthina) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Cantil (Agkistrodon bilineatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm), substrate (A soil and leaf-litter mix, hides, a shallow 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: Agkistrodon bilineatus - Reproduction – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Agkistrodon&species=bilineatus, Wikipedia: Cantil, ovoviviparous – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agkistrodon_bilineatus, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agkistrodon_bilineatus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agkistrodon_bilineatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Agkistrodon&species=bilineatus
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).