Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) (origin: South-eastern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina). Adult size around 80–150 cm, rarely up to 160 cm (females larger than males). Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Jararaca: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×80×70 cm.
Jararaca: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Jararaca: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Jararaca: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Jararaca: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 30–32 °C
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×80×70 cm
- Substrate
- Forest floor with leaf litter, hides, low branches
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 80–150 cm, rarely up to 160 cm (females larger than males)
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- South-eastern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – of major medical significance; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- A slightly cooler 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 young are partly arboreal and lure with a pale tail tip. Considered nervous and fast.
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What you need to start
To keep Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×70 cm), substrate (Forest floor with leaf litter, hides, low branches), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jararaca-Lanzenotter, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Bothrops&species=jararaca
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).