Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) (origin: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam). Adult size around 100–150 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Indochinese spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Indochinese spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–31 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
Indochinese spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Indochinese spitting cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Indochinese spitting cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to 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
- 100–150 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a spitting cobra; a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. One animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution for a spitting cobra: cobras strike at anything that moves when feeding, also eat other snakes, and during every task you must know where the animal is and where it can spit. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision after a cooler phase.
Notes
A SPITTING COBRA: it sprays accurately at the eyes, up to two metres. Tight-fitting goggles at every working step, including for plain feeding.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Indian cobra (Naja naja) – Expert
- Chinese cobra (Naja atra) – 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 Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to 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-siamensis/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indochinese_spitting_cobra, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=siamensis, https://ultimateexotics.co.za/the-black-and-white-spitting-cobra-naja-siamensis-2/
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).