Mangrove pit viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Mangrove pit viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) (origin: Küsten von Bangladesch und Myanmar über Thailand und die Malaiische Halbinsel bis Singapur und Sumatra — Mangroven, Küstenwald). Adult size around 70–100 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mangrove pit viper: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 100×50×75 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, arboreal pit vipers).
Mangrove pit viper: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 31 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Mangrove pit viper: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Weak UVB recommended.
Mangrove pit viper: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Mangrove pit viper: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 31 °C
- Humidity
- 80–90 %
- UVB
- Weak UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 100×50×75 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, arboreal pit vipers)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, climbing branches, a large water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 70–100 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Küsten von Bangladesch und Myanmar über Thailand und die Malaiische Halbinsel bis Singapur und Sumatra — Mangroven, Küstenwald
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- None
- 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
A mangrove species with the highest humidity requirement in the genus. Considered particularly irritable and fast.
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Related species
- Gumprecht's green pit viper (Trimeresurus gumprechti) – Expert
- Hagen's pit viper (Trimeresurus hageni) – Expert
- Island pit viper (Trimeresurus insularis) – Expert
- Sumatran pit viper (Trimeresurus sumatranus) – Expert
- White-lipped pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Mangrove pit viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×75 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, arboreal pit vipers)), substrate (Coco humus, climbing branches, a large 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimeresurus_purpureomaculatus, https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/shore_pit_viper.htm, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trimeresurus&species=purpureomaculatus
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).