Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) (origin: Nordostafrika (Niltal in Ägypten und Sudan, Darfur, Westeritrea, Dschibuti, Tschad/Ennedi, Niger/Aïr)). Adult size around 100–150 cm. Life expectancy 20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Nubian spitting cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Nubian spitting cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot 35–38 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Nubian spitting cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Nubian spitting cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20+ years.
Nubian spitting cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–38 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, rock structures
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–150 cm
- Life expectancy
- 20+ years
- Origin
- Nordostafrika (Niltal in Ägypten und Sudan, Darfur, Westeritrea, Dschibuti, Tschad/Ennedi, Niger/Aïr)
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a spitting cobra; a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell is possible
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. In the closely related red spitting cobra adults eat their own kind, and cobras strike at anything that moves when feeding – one animal per enclosure is the only safe and stress-free solution. For breeding, put them together only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
A desert-dwelling spitting cobra, split from N. pallida only in 2003. Keep it very dry and warm.
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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
- Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 225×115×115 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (Sand-loam, rock structures), 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=nubiae, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nubian_spitting_cobra, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_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).