Cape coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Cape coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus) (origin: South Africa, Namibia – semi-desert). Adult size around 40–75 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Cape coral snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 115×60×40 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, shield-nosed cobras).
Cape coral snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 34–36 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Cape coral snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Cape coral snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Cape coral snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 34–36 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 115×60×40 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, shield-nosed cobras)
- Substrate
- Deep sand-loam, stone slabs, hides
Feeding
- Food
- Small frozen-thawed mice, lizard substitutes
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 40–75 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- South Africa, Namibia – semi-desert
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- 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
Strikingly ringed in red and black, and popular in captivity. Nocturnal and burrowing. Despite the small size, a genuine venomous snake.
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Related species
- Shield-nosed cobra (Aspidelaps scutatus) – 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
- Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Cape coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 115×60×40 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, shield-nosed cobras)), substrate (Deep sand-loam, stone slabs, 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: Aspidelaps lubricus - Reproduction – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Aspidelaps&species=lubricus, Wikipedia: Coral shield cobra, eierlegend – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspidelaps_lubricus, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspidelaps_lubricus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspidelaps_lubricus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Aspidelaps&species=lubricus
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).