Chinese cobra (Naja atra)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Chinese cobra (Naja atra) (origin: Southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam). Adult size around 120–170 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chinese cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 255×130×130 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Chinese cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 32–34 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Chinese cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Chinese cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Chinese cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 32–34 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 255×130×130 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- Soil and sand, hides, a water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 120–170 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- Southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks is possible
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. One animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution for a cobra: when feeding it strikes at anything that moves, cobras also eat other snakes, and during every task you must know where the animal is. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
It can spray venom from a short distance – eye protection is essential. To be kept a little cooler than the Indian cobra.
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Related species
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Indian cobra (Naja naja) – 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
- Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Chinese cobra (Naja atra) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 255×130×130 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Soil and sand, 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://academy.herpeton.net/en/caresheets/snakes/naja-atra/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cobra, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=atra
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).