Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) (origin: The south-eastern USA). Adult size around 60–90 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Eastern coral snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 100×50×45 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, coral snakes).
Eastern coral snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot 30–31 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Eastern coral snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Eastern coral snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Eastern coral snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 30–31 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 100×50×45 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, coral snakes)
- Substrate
- Deep substrate they can dig in, with leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- Other snakes or lizards (frozen-thawed) – it rarely takes rodents
- Feeding interval
- every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- The south-eastern USA
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a strong neurotoxin; a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A cooler spell is possible
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Coral snakes eat mainly other snakes and slender lizards - a second animal in the same enclosure is simply prey or a danger for this species. On top of that, once kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten. For breeding, put them together only under controlled conditions and with experience, and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
It lives mainly hidden in the substrate and is rarely seen. A feeding specialist on snakes and lizards – clarify the supply in advance. A small mouth, but highly potent venom.
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Related species
- Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener) – 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 Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×45 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, coral snakes)), substrate (Deep substrate they can dig in, with leaf litter), 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: Micrurus fulvius - Reproduction – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Micrurus&species=fulvius, Wikipedia: Eastern coral snake, eierlegend – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_coral_snake, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Micrurus_fulvius/, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlekin-Korallenotter, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrurus_fulvius
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).