Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix)

Short answers

Javan spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 270×135×135 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras).

Javan spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–31 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 22–25 °C.

Javan spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended.

Javan spitting cobra: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20+ years.

Javan 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

60–75 %

UVB

UVB recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 270×135×135 cm (minimum size per 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

130–180 cm

Life expectancy

20+ years

Origin

Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands

Protection status

VENOMOUS – a spitting cobra; a dangerous animal under German state law

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly. The species also eats other snakes, strikes at anything that moves when feeding and spits readily – one animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.

Notes

It spits accurately at the eyes. Considered particularly irritable. Eye protection is essential.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
• Indian cobra (Naja naja) – Expert
• Chinese cobra (Naja atra) – Expert
• Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) – Expert
• Cape cobra (Naja nivea) – Expert
• Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) – Expert
• Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) – Expert
• Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 270×135×135 cm (minimum size per 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.