Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) (origin: Australia – dry forest and heath). Adult size around 70–100 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Common death adder: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 120×75×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, death adders).
Common death adder: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 35–37 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Common death adder: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Common death adder: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Common death adder: 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
- 35–37 °C
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 120×75×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, death adders)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with leaf litter, so they can dig
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 70–100 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Australia – dry forest and heath
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a strong neurotoxin; a dangerous animal. Export from Australia is prohibited, captive-bred animals only
- Brumation
- A cooler 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
It looks like a viper but is an elapid (convergence). It lures prey with its tail tip. It buries itself and does not flee – bites happen when it is overlooked.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) – Expert
- Rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus) – 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 Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 120×75×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, death adders)), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter, so they can dig), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_death_adder, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Acanthophis&species=antarcticus, https://www.smuggled.com/adder1.htm, https://www.wildlifedemonstrations.com/post/commonly-asked-questions-answered-for-this-species-of-death-adder, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthophis
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).