Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) (origin: Northern Australia, New Guinea). Adult size around 50–80 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Northern death adder: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×50 cm.
Northern death adder: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot 35–37 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Northern death adder: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Northern death adder: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Northern death adder: 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
- 35–37 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×50 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 50–80 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Northern Australia, New Guinea
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal; captive-bred animals only
- 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
The smallest of the three common death adders. Care as for A. rugosus, likewise an ambush hunter with a tail lure.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Rough-scaled death adder (Acanthophis rugosus) – Expert
- Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
- Barnett's lancehead (Bothrops barnetti) – Expert
- Usambara bush viper (Atheris ceratophora) – Expert
- Ottoman viper (Montivipera xanthina) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter), 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/Acanthophis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_death_adder, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Acanthophis&species=praelongus, https://www.smuggled.com/adder1.htm
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).