King rat snake (Elaphe carinata)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for King rat snake (Elaphe carinata) (origin: China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam, Japan (Ryukyu Islands)). Adult size around 150–240 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
King rat snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 240×120×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report).
King rat snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 17–21 °C.
King rat snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
King rat snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
King rat snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 240×120×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report)
- Substrate
- Bark mulch, a cork hide, climbing branches, a large water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats; in the wild it also eats snakes
- Feeding interval
- 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 150–240 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam, Japan (Ryukyu Islands)
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- KEEP THEM SINGLY (they eat their own kind). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
Under stress it releases an extremely foul-smelling secretion – hence the name. In the wild it regularly eats other snakes, so never house it with others. Strong and quick to bite.
Do you keep this species?
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King rat snake (Elaphe carinata) currently offered
- 3.4 Elaphe carinata High Yellow aus eigener Nachzucht – High Yellow · Kassow · 200 €
Related species
- Russian rat snake (Elaphe schrenckii) – Beginner
- Twin-spotted ratsnake (Elaphe bimaculata) – Beginner
- Dione rat snake (Elaphe dione) – Beginner
- Four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) – Intermediate
- Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus) – Intermediate
- Baird's rat snake (Pantherophis bairdi) – Beginner
- Red bamboo rat snake (Oreocryptophis porphyraceus) – Intermediate
- Western fox snake (Pantherophis vulpinus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep King rat snake (Elaphe carinata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 240×120×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report)), substrate (Bark mulch, a cork hide, climbing branches, a large water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, 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: Wikipedia EN, vhm-abc.com, bmleh.de, oocities.org, reptilia.de
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).