Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) (origin: Südost- und südliches Afrika (Tansania, Mosambik, Malawi, Sambia, Simbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, NO-Südafrika, bis Angola und Namibia)). Adult size around 100–150 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mozambique spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Mozambique spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot 34–36 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Mozambique spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Mozambique spitting cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Mozambique spitting cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 34–36 °C
- Humidity
- 45–60 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, hides, a water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–150 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- Südost- und südliches Afrika (Tansania, Mosambik, Malawi, Sambia, Simbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, NO-Südafrika, bis Angola und Namibia)
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a strongly cytotoxic spitting cobra; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. The species 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
A common cause of serious bite accidents in southern Africa. It spits very fast and accurately.
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Related species
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Indian cobra (Naja naja) – Expert
- Chinese cobra (Naja atra) – Expert
- Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) – Expert
- Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) – Expert
- Cape cobra (Naja nivea) – Expert
- Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) – Expert
- Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Sand-loam, 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Naja&species=mossambica, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambique_spitting_cobra, https://academy.herpeton.net/en/caresheets/snakes/naja-naja/
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).