Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) (origin: Arid areas with rocky scree, wadis and sparse vegetation in northeast and east Africa (Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, northern Kenya) as well as the southern Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman)). Adult size around 40–60 cm, exceptionally up to ~85 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Egyptian saw-scaled viper: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 105 × 65 × 50 cm for an adult animal.
Egyptian saw-scaled viper: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–33 °C, basking spot 36–40 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Egyptian saw-scaled viper: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Egyptian saw-scaled viper: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Egyptian saw-scaled viper: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 36–40 °C
- Humidity
- 25–40 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 105 × 65 × 50 cm for an adult animal
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, stone slabs
Feeding
- Food
- Small frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 40–60 cm, exceptionally up to ~85 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Arid areas with rocky scree, wadis and sparse vegetation in northeast and east Africa (Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, northern Kenya) as well as the southern Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman)
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal; a permit or notification is required, varying by German state
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell is possible
- 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
Fond of dryness, and nocturnal. Like all Echis extremely fast and quick to bite – never handle it freely.
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Related species
- Painted saw-scaled viper (Echis coloratus) – Expert
- Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) – Expert
- Sochurek's saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus sochureki) – Expert
- West African carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Barnett's lancehead (Bothrops barnetti) – Expert
- Usambara bush viper (Atheris ceratophora) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 105 × 65 × 50 cm for an adult animal), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, stone slabs), 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: Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, goruma.de, EUR-Lex VO (EU) 2026/1383, Gutachten Mindestanforderungen Reptilien, BML 1997 (lokal)
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).