Okinawa habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Okinawa habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) (origin: The Ryukyu Islands (Japan)). Adult size around 120–200 cm. Life expectancy 12–18 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Okinawa habu: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×70×80 cm.
Okinawa habu: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 19–22 °C.
Okinawa habu: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Okinawa habu: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–18 years.
Okinawa habu: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×70×80 cm
- Substrate
- Soil and leaf litter, rock structures, climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 120–200 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- The Ryukyu Islands (Japan)
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – medically significant on Okinawa; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- 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 large, very fast pit viper with a long reach when it strikes. Nocturnal; it climbs and swims.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Taiwan habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus) – 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
- Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Okinawa habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×70×80 cm), substrate (Soil and leaf litter, rock structures, climbing branches), 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: Protobothrops flavoviridis - Reproduction – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Protobothrops&species=flavoviridis, Wikipedia: Okinawa habu, eierlegend – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protobothrops_flavoviridis, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habuschlange, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protobothrops, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protobothrops_flavoviridis
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).