Hispaniolan boa (Chilabothrus striatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Hispaniolan boa (Chilabothrus striatus) (origin: Hispaniola). Adult size around 150–250 cm. Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Hispaniolan boa: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 250×125×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, as for Epicrates, a related genus); height matters.
Hispaniolan boa: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Hispaniolan boa: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Hispaniolan boa: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–25 years.
Hispaniolan boa: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 250×125×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, as for Epicrates, a related genus); height matters
- Substrate
- Coco humus and bark mulch, sturdy branches, cork tubes, a water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice of a suitable size
- Feeding interval
- every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 150–250 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20–25 years
- Origin
- Hispaniola
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- 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
A slender, very climbing-keen tree boa with variable markings. Live-bearing. The young are often nervous and quick to bite, but settle markedly with age.
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Related species
- Cuban boa (Chilabothrus angulifer) – Intermediate
- Amazon tree boa (Corallus batesii) – Expert
- Argentine boa (Boa constrictor occidentalis) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa – Guyana (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa – Peru (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa – Suriname (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- True red-tailed boa (Boa constrictor constrictor) – Intermediate
- Bibron's bevel-nosed boa (Candoia bibroni) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Hispaniolan boa (Chilabothrus striatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 250×125×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, as for Epicrates, a related genus); height matters), substrate (Coco humus and bark mulch, sturdy branches, cork tubes, a water dish), 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilabothrus_striatus, https://westindianboas.org/west-indian-boas/genus-chilabothrus/angulifer/, https://www.fws.gov/species/cuban-boa-chilabothrus-angulifer
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).