Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) (origin: Central Australia – arid plains). Adult size around 180–250 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Inland taipan: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 315×190×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, taipans).
Inland taipan: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–34 °C, basking spot 36–38 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Inland taipan: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Inland taipan: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Inland taipan: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 36–38 °C
- Humidity
- 30–45 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 315×190×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, taipans)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with deep crevices and hides
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 180–250 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Central Australia – arid plains
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – the most venomous land snake in the world; a dangerous animal, and several German states prohibit keeping it
- 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
The strongest known land snake venom. Considered comparatively calm, which does not lessen the risk. Zoos and designated specialists only.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) – 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 Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 315×190×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, taipans)), substrate (Sand-loam with deep crevices and hides), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inlandtaipan, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Oxyuranus&species=microlepidotus
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).